Quietly Vitkov walked to the operator and, on my orders, sent a telegram to the head of the front. And Kirillov comforted me and said: "Comrade Oshanina, don't worry, Major Pugachev went to verify the information, and I believe that he will soon be able to report the correct information to us." After saying these two sentences, he seemed to feel that there was something left unfinished, and added, "Maybe General Gurdiev did not die, but was only wounded." ”

I couldn't help but sigh softly at Kirillov's pale comfort, and at the same time knew in my heart that it was purely superfluous to let Pugachev verify it. As the divisional political commissar of the 308th Division, Lieutenant Colonel Sverin naturally understands the consequences of lying about the military situation, and he can't afford to ruin his future for this kind of thing, so his report is true and credible.

I took a few deep breaths to calm down a little, then looked up at Kirillov and Romanov and asked, "Political commissar and deputy commander, what do you think about the sacrifice of General Gurdiev?" ”

Romanov said cautiously: "Comrade commander, I think this matter should be cautious. The rash appointment of a new acting division commander to his post without conclusive confirmation of General Gurdiev's death could easily lead to confusion in the command system of the troops. ”

"Yes, Comrade Oshanina." Kirillov resolutely stood on Pugachev's side at the moment, and also persuaded me: "Even if General Gurdiev really dies, we will not be able to find a suitable person to replace him for a while." ”

"Comrade Commissar. What do you think Major Akhromeyev temporarily acted as commander of the 308th Division? "I do not deny at all that what Kirillov said is the truth, and what is most lacking today is a commander with rich combat experience. When considering who will succeed Gurtiev. I thought about it for a long time, and I felt that the only one who could barely hold this position was Akhromeyev.

"Comrade army commander," Vitkov, who had just finished sending the telegram, said hesitantly: "As far as I know, although Akhromeyev has a wealth of combat experience, after all, his military rank is too low and his qualifications are too shallow, if he is allowed to take the post of division commander." I'm afraid that several regiment commanders of the 308th Division will have opinions. ”

Before we could discuss the choice of the new division commander, Pugachev hurriedly walked into the headquarters again. He stood still in front of us and said in a sad tone, "I have checked with Lieutenant Colonel Svering again. The intelligence of the death of General Gurdiev in battle is accurate. The troops in the city suffered heavy casualties from German bombardment and heavy ground attacks, and the total strength of the 308th Division now does not exceed 3,000 men. ”

"What? There are less than 3,000 people left in the 308th Division? Romanov was taken aback by the news, and after a moment of panic, he decisively said: "Comrade Army Commander. You were right about what you just said. We should immediately send a new division commander to the division to prevent the troops, which have lost their unified command, from falling apart under the onslaught of the enemy. ”

"Who do you think is suitable for the position of division commander?" Since my nomination of Akhromeyev was vetoed by Vitkov, and I couldn't think of a suitable candidate in my hurry, I pushed this contradiction on them: "Whoever you think is suitable, you can recommend it to me." ”

"Why don't you let Lieutenant Colonel Svering act as the division commander?" Vitkov said cautiously: "After all, he has always partnered with General Gurdiev. The commanders and fighters of the troops were familiar with him. If he takes over, it will be beneficial to the issue of the command system of the troops. ”

"Chief of Staff. I felt that Lieutenant Colonel Svering was unfit for the position of acting division commander. Kirillov, who spoke next, resolutely opposed Vitkov's proposal and gave his reasons: "Although he has been partnering with General Gurdiev, he has always held the post of a political cadre, and in military command he is a layman. I don't think it's appropriate for him to command the troops. ”

"Comrade Political Commissar," Vitkov asked politely as soon as Kirillov finished speaking, "who do you think is the most suitable person to hold the post of division commander?" ”

Kirillov's gaze swept over the Romanovs, who had remained silent, and then said to me: "Comrade Oshanina, I think it is only most appropriate for General Romanov to assume this position. ”

"Huh? Am I going to act as the commander of the 308th Division? Kirillov's proposal surprised Romanov, who asked rhetorically in bewilderment: "Comrade commissar, do you really think I am suitable?" ”

"Yes, General Romanov." Kirillov affirmed: "You were already a general at the beginning of the war, and you have a lot of experience in commanding a division in battle. Moreover, for more than a year, you have been leading your troops to fight guerrilla warfare in Ukraine, and you are more familiar with the terrain than any of us. Moreover, you have put forward a plan to contact the guerrillas operating in the vicinity after the capture of Alexandria, and you will personally carry it out, and I think it is more certain that it will succeed. ”

After listening to Kirillov's words, I also think that Romanov is the best candidate for the acting commander of the 308th Division, and in the early days of the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, he could be the commander of the division, and without any real skills, he would not be able to block the enemy's armored forces for 23 days under the onslaught of the German army. With this in mind, I resolutely agreed to Kirillov's proposal: "I agree with the political commissar's proposal, and Comrade Romanov will temporarily act as the commander of the 308th Division. Immediately, I turned to Romanov and said, "Comrade Deputy Commander, prepare a little, and then I will send someone to escort you to Alexandria." ”

"There's nothing to prepare, Comrade Commander." Hearing that he had been appointed by me as the acting commander of the 308th Division, Romanov also said decisively: "When to leave for Alexandria, I will follow your orders." ”

I turned around and was about to call Yushchenko, who was outside the door, in, when I saw the operator by the wall stand up and hand a telegram to Vitkov. When I saw Vitkov reading the telegram, his brows furrowed, I knew that it would not be good news, and hurriedly asked him: "Comrade Chief of Staff, whose telegram is it?" ”

"Comrade army commander, it was sent by the front army headquarters." Vitkov came up to me with a telegram and said: "Commander Vatutin, having learned that we have captured Kafbas, have succeeded in cutting off the main transport arteries of the German army, and have successively captured the cities of Kirovgrad and Alexandria, threatening the rear of the German troops on the other side of the Dnieper, he praised us and prepared to award medals to the commanders of the corps in due course." But ......"

Hearing Vitkov's last "but", my heart chuckled, and my heart was broken, maybe Vatutin gave me another task that could not be completed, and hurriedly urged Vitkov: "Chief of Staff, but what? You go on to say. ”

Vitkov continued with a sad face: "Commander Vatutin, let our army divide into two routes and continue to advance northward at the right time. Look for suitable fighters to seize the two cities of Uman and Smilla, which were occupied by the Germans, and put on the posture that our army wants to continue to move north to seize Kyiv. ”

"Comrade Oshanina, with our current strength, this is simply an impossible task." After listening to Vitkov's words, Kirillov immediately reminded me in a panic: "Do you think you should report the actual situation of our situation here to your superiors, so that they can also know it?" ”

"Comrade Chief of Staff, you immediately report the news of General Gurdiev's sacrifice to the Front Command." After saying this to Vitkov, I hesitated for a moment before continuing: "At the same time, I sent a telegram to the commander of the Front Army that our army was unable to continue to expand the results of the battle because of the stubborn resistance of the German army and the heavy casualties of the divisions in the capture of the three cities mentioned above, and requested that we be allowed to rest and replenish the existing defensive positions for a short time. ”

Perhaps it was because I had been angry not long ago, so as soon as I had finished speaking, Vitkov turned around and walked over to the operator without saying a word, urging him to send a telegram.

Then I turned to Romanov and said: "Comrade Deputy Commander, the situation in Alexandria is not optimistic right now, so go there now and take over the command of the troops." Seeing that he nodded in understanding, I shouted loudly outside, "Captain Yushchenko, come in." ”

Yushchenko was probably on standby all the time, and as soon as he heard me call him, he immediately ran in through the door. After standing still in front of me, he raised his hand and saluted, and then asked respectfully, "Comrade commander, what instructions do you have?" ”

I pointed at Romanov with my hand and said: "Due to the death of General Gurtiev in battle, the 308th Division is currently facing a leaderless situation, so Comrade Deputy Commander should immediately rush to Alexandria, but take over the post of division commander. I now order you to immediately draw a platoon from the guard barracks, one of which must be a member of the special guard company, and they will escort the deputy commander to the 308th Division. Do you understand? ”

"Understood, Comrade Commander." Yushchenko, after a loud answer, walked up to the Romanov, made a gesture of please, and then; Said politely: "Comrade Deputy Commander, please come to me." I will arrange for you to escort your security forces. ”

Romanov nodded, straightened up and saluted Kirillov and me, and then walked out of the headquarters after Yushchenko.

Seeing the back of Romanov's departure, Vitkov asked with some unease: "Comrade commander, is it really appropriate for the deputy commander to command the 308th Division?" ”

I looked at Vitkov and replied resolutely: "Yes, of course it is." I don't think anyone is more suitable for the post of division commander than him. (To be continued......)