The abnormality in the position of the Hungarian army was noticed not only by me and Sederikov, but also by the company commander who led the attack. Running at the front of the line, he suddenly slowed down, raised his right hand high, and signaled to stop advancing. When the soldiers stopped, the company commander took the lead and lay on the ground, and his subordinates also lay down on the ground and drew their guns, the muzzles of which were pointed at the enemy's trenches.

The tank drove forward for about ten meters and stopped, the turret slowly turned, and suddenly the body slammed, and our tankmen fired a shot demonstratively. The shell landed in the trench impartially, and the blast lifted a Hungarian soldier high, and after a beautiful somersault, his body fell heavily, and after landing on the ground, it rolled a few times before remaining motionless. Seeing what had happened to their companions, the rest of the Hungarian officers and soldiers shrank into the trenches in fright.

Seeing that the enemy in the trenches was frightened by the shelling of our tanks, the company commander, who had been lying on the ground, got up again, waved the rifle in his hand, and took the lead in rushing forward. Lying on the ground, the warriors got up and rushed forward with a shout.

Seeing our fighters rushing forward, Sederikov, who was observing with a telescope, couldn't help but cheer: "Great, our fighters rushed up, it's amazing!" Look, division commander, our troops are about to storm the enemy's trenches, and then the Hungarians will have no choice but to obediently raise their hands and surrender. He said he was going to give me back the binoculars. Just as I reached for the telescope, he jerked his hand back, raised the telescope back in front of him, and said in surprise, "Hell, hell, where did this damn thing come from?" ”

"What's going on? Captain Sederikov. "Because here is several hundred meters from the enemy's positions, without the help of telescopes. A lot of things can't be seen clearly. That's why I'm asking. Shederikov's nerves were in a state of high tension. So much so that he didn't even notice that I had called him by the wrong rank.

"It's a 20mm anti-tank rifle for anti-tank men, hell, how could the Hungarians have this equipment." Before he could finish his words, there was a sudden dense gunfire like bursting beans in front of him.

As soon as I grabbed the binoculars and looked ahead, the Hungarian soldiers were raising their heads from the trenches and shooting wildly at our attacking troops. Under the dense fire of the enemy, our fighters were knocked out in pieces. The rest hurriedly lay down. Lie on the ground and return fire.

The company commander also seemed to have been shot, and his hand that had been holding his rifle high hung down, and he staggered two steps, and his side softened, and the gun was thrown aside. Seeing the company commander fall, I was so nervous that I couldn't breathe, and I didn't dare to take my eyes off him for a moment, as if I wanted to find out if he had sacrificed. After a few moments, the company commander sat up with difficulty and reached for the rifle that had fallen beside him. He didn't wait for his hand to touch the gun. His head jerked back for a few seconds. Fell on his back and stopped moving.

In order to cover the retreat of the heavily battered infantry, our tanks stopped and fired at the tank guns, as well as the machine guns on the turrets, splashing mud in front of the Hungarian positions.

Seeing that our infantry began to retreat, the Hungarian soldiers were in a hurry and jumped out of the trenches in an attempt to take advantage of the victory to pursue, but they were immediately bombarded by our tanks and machine-gun fire, so they could only obediently retract into the trenches. However, they did not seem to give up, and a few soldiers jumped out of the trenches with a bundle of things in their hands and rushed towards our tanks. Before they could get closer, the machine guns on the tanks knocked them all down.

At this time, our infantry had almost all retreated to a distance of two hundred meters, and at such a distance, it was difficult for the Hungarian fire to inflict any effective damage on our infantry. Seeing that his covering task was completed, the tank crew also reversed and slowly retreated the tank down the slope.

From the trenches jumped out of the trenches five or six more Hungarian soldiers who were not afraid of death, but they were obviously veterans and much more experienced than the soldiers just now. As soon as they left the trenches, they lay down on the spot and crawled towards the tanks, occasionally making one or two rollovers to avoid the machine-gun fire from the tanks.

Even so, after they left the trench a hundred meters, there was only one soldier left, and at this time our tanks began to accelerate, ready to quickly leave the battlefield. The soldier suddenly raised his hand and threw a grenade, which exploded in front of the tank body, sending up a cloud of black smoke, and the soldier jumped up from the ground and rushed into the black smoke to approach our tank.

At the moment when the soldier rushed into the black smoke, I saw clearly that he was holding a bundle of cluster grenades in his hand, and it seemed that he was trying to blow up our tanks, and I couldn't help but cry out: "Oops, not good! As soon as the words fell, I heard a loud "boom", and our tanks were enveloped in gunpowder smoke and/or fire. When the smoke cleared, it could be seen that our tank had been blown up.

Shederikov apparently also saw this scene clearly, and he nervously asked: "Comrade division commander, how is it?" See any survivors in the tank? ”

I held my telescope and looked motionlessly at the burning tank, praying in my heart that something would happen. Perhaps my prayer was fulfilled, and a man came out of the bottom of the tank, and instead of leaving immediately, he helped another person to come out and extinguish the flames on him. Then the two men stumbled towards us with each other's arms, and the infantrymen who had fallen behind hurriedly stepped forward and walked towards us with their hands and feet.

When the two tank crews approached, I could see that it was the sergeant and sergeant who were chatting on the tank in the morning. The sergeant's injuries were obviously much more severe, and he was able to walk a few steps when he first left the tank, and now he was carried by almost four fighters. I stepped forward and asked the sergeant, who was slightly less wounded, with concern: "Comrade sergeant, are there any survivors in the tank?" ”

Hearing my question, the sergeant's face blackened by gunpowder had no expression at all, and he said in a deep voice: "No, Comrade Division Commander, the rest of the members have been sacrificed. ”

I shook his hand and said sincerely: "Comrade Sergeant, it is because of your bravery that we have so many fighters who have managed to retreat from the enemy's positions, thank you!" You go back and recuperate in peace first, and we'll take care of the rest. ”

While I was talking to the tank sergeant. Sederikov did not wait for my orders. Just go and count the casualties. After the tank crew was helped away. Sergelikov returned to my side and said with some frustration: "Report to Comrade Division Commander, the casualties have been counted, 59 infantry killed, 2 tank crews, 25 wounded, and only 16 people are still fighting in the company. ”

At this time, the third echelon of Persjian and Morozov also arrived. Seeing this tragic situation of our army, I couldn't help but be shocked, and asked repeatedly: "What happened, why did our troops suffer so many casualties and have not taken down the enemy's camp?" ”

Shederikov's face was flushed with shame and he did not know how to answer the questions of the two. The troops have just lost the battle, and the morale will inevitably suffer, and in this case, it is only me who can take responsibility. I waved my hand and said, "I'm to blame for this." Because yesterday's victory came so easily, I was paralyzed. Later, the enemy was as vulnerable as the Italians. Before the attack, we were not prepared at all, so we launched the attack recklessly. At this point, I turned my head and thanked Persjian: "Thank you, Comrade Captain! ”

"Thank me?! Why? "Pelsjian was confused by my words.

"If it weren't for your tank crews decisively leaving behind just now, it is estimated that none of the infantry participating in the attack would survive, and all of them would have to be explained in front of the enemy's position."

"What are we going to do next?" Sederikov asked.

I glanced in the direction of the enemy's position and said indignantly: "First bombard the enemy's position with tank guns and cannons, and then send out infantry charges." Speaking of which, I asked Sedelikov with some puzzlement: "Major, what did you just say about the 20-mm anti-tank rifle, what is the matter?" ”

Shederikov hurriedly replied: "Report to Comrade Division Commander, I just saw with a telescope a Hungarian soldier holding an anti-tank gun on a trench and aiming at our tank. At this point, he shrugged his shoulders and continued: "Maybe our tank crews reacted quickly and blasted them out before the enemy could shoot." ”

I looked at the group of commanders around me, clapped my hands, and announced loudly, "Okay, all the commanders, pay attention, I'll start assigning tasks now." Lieutenant Morozov! ”

"Here!" Morozov agreed, straightened up and stood in front of me, and said loudly: "Please give the order from the division commander." "Immediately find a suitable place, set up artillery positions and carry out artillery strikes on the enemy's positions."

Then I called out the name of the next commander: "Captain Persjian!" ”

"Here!" The tank captain took a step forward, looked at me without squinting and said, "Listen to your orders!" ”

I pointed to an open space in front of me and said, "Comrade Captain, line up your tank detachment there." After the artillery company's shelling was over, it immediately rushed forward to cover the infantry for an attack on the enemy's camp. ”

The commander of the artillery company and the commander of the tank detachment all turned around to make preparations, and I looked at the remaining three company commanders in front of me and asked solemnly: "Which of you wants to lead the troops in the lead?" ”

As soon as I finished speaking, a captain came out of the crowd, saluted me, and said, "Report to Comrade Division Commander, the Eighth Company of the Second Regiment is willing to accept this task. ”

I felt that the captain in front of me looked quite familiar, but for a moment I couldn't remember where I had seen him, so I could only ask: "Comrade Captain, do you want to accept this mission?" ”

"Needless to say! Comrade division commander, last time you said that my company would be the first unit to storm the buildings occupied by the enemy during the battle to liberate the settlements. However, in the battle, our company only captured two almost unguarded buildings, and the results achieved were far from being comparable to those of other companies. If this battle doesn't allow us to take the lead and make more achievements, I don't know how to explain it to the soldiers. ”

When the captain said this, his eyes turned red. Seeing that his attitude was so resolute, I didn't object, so I waved my hand and said with a big grin: "Okay, then the task of taking the lead will be handed over to your company." ”

The captain saluted me excitedly and said loudly: "Comrade division commander, please rest assured, we will never let you down, and we will definitely break through the enemy positions in front." ”

Morozov's cannon battery, which soon established artillery positions, began shelling the Hungarian camp. "Boom...... Boom ......" shells whistled past, raising columns of smoke over the position.

From the very beginning of the shelling, I was staring intently at the positions of the Hungarian soldiers. I saw the shelling begin. They retreated into the trenches. Dodge our dense shelling.

Seeing that the enemy's trenches were pitted by our shells. I nodded with satisfaction and instructed Sederikov: "Comrade Major, let Lieutenant Morozov stop the shelling, and then signal Captain Perstian to let their tanks attack." Then I walked up to the infantry captain, tapped him on the shoulder, and said, "It's up to you next, do a good job." Comrade Captain. Go ahead! ”

The captain saluted me, ran back to his company, drew his pistol, raised it above his head, and shouted to his men: "Follow me, brothers!" ”

The infantry was seen lined up in a skirmish formation behind the four tanks, bending over and striding forward. I turned my observation to the enemy's trenches, and saw that the Hungarian officers and men who had been retracted into the trenches had resurfaced, and had put their guns on the edge of the trenches, ready to hold back again on our attacking troops.

Pelsjian had a lot of combat experience. Seeing the enemy coming out, the tank did not slow down. Shoot at enemy trenches as you drive. The enemy, perhaps not expecting our tanks to open fire on the march, was taken by surprise, and at least thirty dozen people were killed in the first two rounds of shelling.

The commander of the camp, as if aware of the heavy casualties of his troops holding the trenches, immediately sent reinforcements. Dozens of officers and men were bending over and running towards the trench with guns in their hands.

I quickly ran to Morozov's side, pointed at the soldiers who were approaching the trench, and said loudly to him: "Comrade lieutenant, order your men to fire directly at the enemy who is coming for reinforcements, and never let them enter the trench. ”

Morozov agreed, immediately gave orders to his gunners, and reported a series of parameters. After a short effort, the cannon battery opened fire, and the shells landed accurately in the middle of the enemy line and exploded, causing the enemy to flee in all directions.

Our attacking forces again approached the enemy, who, despite the bombardment of our tanks, began to fire at our troops. Seeing one warrior after another being knocked down by enemy bullets made my heart rise to my throat. Especially when I saw Persjian's tank go around the destroyed tank and had to slow down, I pinched a cold sweat for them.

Fortunately, the tank went around the obstacle and continued to rush forward. And the fighting style of the second regiment and the eighth company is also remarkable. The fighters rushed forward as they fired, and the experienced fighters also threw grenades from time to time, using the smoke from the grenade explosion to block the enemy's view and cover themselves to continue to rush forward.

Almost as the tanks crossed the trenches and advanced towards the camp, the infantry also rushed into the trenches and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the Hungarians who were holding out. Although they are almost always armed with rifles, they have daggers, shovels, axes, etc., which are used in assault buildings, which are sharp weapons in melee combat.

After the Hungarian soldiers, who had fought stubbornly, were chopped down by our soldiers with shovels and axes, the rest of the men lost the courage to continue fighting, and in a short time some people raised their hands and surrendered. One man took the lead, others followed suit, and as a result, the thirty or so remaining soldiers in the trenches raised their hands.

As early as when the eighth company rushed into the enemy trenches, Sedelikov wasted no time in sending another infantry company to reinforce it. At this moment, when he saw that the enemy in the trenches had surrendered, he proposed to me: "Comrade division commander, it seems that the enemy cannot stand it, you stay here, and I will go to the front to have a look." ”

"Let's go together!" When I finished speaking, I did not wait for him to object, and walked forward in great strides. Knowing that he couldn't stop me, Shedelikov hurriedly called the remaining infantry company and went to the position with us.

The battle shifted from the trenches to the enemy's camp, but judging by the strength of the gunfire, the enemy resistance in the camp was not very stubborn, and it was estimated that it would take less than half an hour to clean up the enemy.

I walked to the edge of the trench and picked up a Hungarian soldier's rifle from the ground. I looked at it over and over for a long time, but no matter how I looked at it, it felt awkward, and this rifle had a long straight magazine under the magazine, which looked a little nondescript. I handed the gun to Shederikov and said with a smile: "Comrade Major, look at this rifle, it looks really weird. ”

Unexpectedly, Shedelikov took it and looked at it twice, and then replied: "Comrade division commander, this is not a rifle, it is a Hungarian M39 submachine gun." Probably afraid that I wouldn't understand, he also specially introduced: "The M39 submachine gun uses a one-piece wooden butt with a cylindrical receiver. The full length of the gun is 1048mm. Barrel length 500mm. The mass of the whole gun is 4.6kg. Compared to our submachine guns, it is on the large and heavy side.

There is also a mechanical sight of the M39, which consists of a 'V'-shaped notched gate with a curved base ruler and a columnar crosshair, and the gauge has a range of 50~600m. At the end of the receiver is a knob-shaped fast and slow machine, and the letters 'E', 'S' and 'Z' are engraved on the front of the fast and slow machine, which represent three shooting modes respectively: 'E' stands for single shot, 'S' stands for burst shot, and 'Z' stands for safety. The M39 is also equipped with a bayonet mount, and with the addition of a double-edged long bayonet, the full length of the gun can reach 1378mm.

The M39 uses a relatively powerful 9×25mm Mauser pistol cartridge. The bullet has a mass of 8.1g, an average muzzle velocity of 455 m/s, and a muzzle kinetic energy of up to 838 joules. It is about 40% more kinetic than the 9×19mm Balabylum pistol bullet.

The M39 uses a double-row, double-entry magazine with a capacity of 40 rounds. The magazine mount design is unique and folds the magazine mount forward when carried or not in use, allowing the magazine to get stuck in the groove under the handguard. When the magazine snaps into the gauntlet, the magazine mouth is exposed, and the elastic dust cap covers the magazine mouth to prevent dust from entering the magazine and causing a feed failure. ”

After listening to Sederikov's introduction, I nodded as if I didn't understand it, and praised him: "Comrade Major, I really didn't expect it. You know a lot about firearms. ”

Sedelikov smiled embarrassedly and said: "Comrade division commander, before the war I was a firearms engineer in a military factory. So there is a certain understanding of the firearms of various countries. ”

"Are the letters you just said all English letters?" Although I knew that it was unlikely that the Hungarian weapons were written with English letters, I still asked knowingly by pointing to the letters on the guns.

Sederikov shook his head and said: "It's not because of the alphabet, it's an abbreviation of the Hungarian alphabet." ”

As he spoke, the gunfire in the camp had completely stopped. Sedelikov said in surprise: "Comrade division commander, listen, the gunfire in the camp has stopped, and it seems that the enemy has either been destroyed by us or surrendered. ”

Although I couldn't see the situation in the camp from the position of the trench, I instinctively looked in that direction, then nodded and said, "Let's go, let's go to the camp and have a look." ”

As soon as he reached the top of the slope, he saw the commander of the eighth company and his soldiers, escorting a dozen officers wearing barrels and flat-topped military caps and long boots approaching. I don't understand the rank of the Hungarians, so I don't know who is the supreme commander of the camp among these officers.

Seeing me and Sedelikov appear, the face of the eighth company commander showed a joyful expression, he hurriedly asked the soldiers to stop, ran to me alone, raised his hand at me and saluted, and reported: "Comrade division commander, all the remaining enemies in the camp have surrendered to us, these are their commanders at all levels. ”

"Well done, Comrade Captain. You guys did a great job. After complimenting the commander of the eighth company, I then asked, "Among them, who is the supreme commander of the camp?" ”

The captain turned his head and shook his head at his men and said loudly, "Come on, bring their commander here!" ”

With his command, two warriors pulled a slightly older officer from among the officers and shoved him in front of me.

I looked the officer in front of me up and down and asked lightly, "Do you know Russian?" ”

Originally, I just asked casually, because there were many people in the German army who knew German, and very few who knew Russian. Unexpectedly, when he heard me ask, he nodded without hesitation, and then said in a slightly strange but very standard fluent Russian: "Yes, I know Russian." ”

It would be easy to know Russian, so I wouldn't have to find a Hungarian translator, so I asked, "Please tell me your name, rank, position!" When I use "you" here, it is not an honorific, but a symbol of alienation and guardedness.

"My name is Najib. Sandor, you can call me Najib. I had the rank of major, was the battalion commander of the Hungarian battalion, subordinate to the Hungarian Second Army. ”

"Why did you see us appearing and organizing resistance instead of surrendering? You know, the Italian battalion, which we captured yesterday, obediently disarmed and surrendered. Sederikov asked angrily.

Nagy glanced at Sederikov and said unhurriedly: "Mr. Major, I don't want to make any judgments about the Italian soldiers. But what I want to tell you is that as a soldier, even if you know the disparity in strength between the two sides, you will not surrender to your enemy without a fight. In that case, it is a disgrace for a soldier. I am a soldier and I have to defend my honor by fighting the guò. ”

I sneered and said in a mocking tone: "Mr. Najib, for the sake of your ridiculous theory, for your so-called honor, hundreds of soldiers have lost their lives in vain. At this point, I turned my gaze to the commander of the eighth company and instructed him: "I don't want to see this hypocrite again, take him and his subordinates away." ”

At this moment, Shedelikov suddenly pointed into the air and shouted: "Look, enemy planes!" ”

I looked up and followed the direction of his finger, only to see two black dots in the air, and suddenly became a little nervous, I hadn't seen an enemy plane appear in the air for a long time, why did it suddenly appear today? Just as we were about to call the troops to the air defense, the enemy planes had already flown closer, and after passing over us, they flew to the east.

I had just breathed a sigh of relief when I heard someone exclaiming, "My God, how come there are so many enemy planes, and what are they trying to do?" ”

I looked up again, and I was shaking at the dark clouds in the sky. Because I understand that it was not speechless, it was the German fleet.

Dense enemy planes flew through our skies, and someone suddenly shouted: "I understand, the enemy planes are flying eastward, and their goal is Stalingrad!" (To be continued......)