Regarding Kirilov’s question, I thought for a while, and then decisively said: "If the friendly highlands fall, then the heavy artillery unit of Lieutenant Diyakonov will be ordered to shell the highlands, suppress the German firepower with fierce artillery, and cover the second The regiment counterattacked the high ground.” At this point, I thought of the worst possible possibility, and quickly added, “If the second regiment fails to attack, the third regiment will be transferred to continue the attack.”

Regarding my attitude, Kirilov nodded with great satisfaction and agreed: "Yes, comrade commander, you have considered very comprehensively. With such a small position, we will use the strength of two regiments to take turns under the cover of artillery fire. If you attack, you can certainly wipe out all the Germans on the ground."

We were talking, and Pugachev had already brought the troops over. He raised his hand to salute and said loudly: "Comrade division commander, comrade political commissar, and the acting commander of the second regiment, Captain Pugachev, will report to you. The assembly is complete and you can go into battle at any time, please give instructions!"

Looking at the commanders and fighters standing densely on the hillside, I asked Pugachev: "Comrade acting commander, how many commanders and fighters are there in the first battalion?"

Without looking back, Pugachev answered me clearly: "Report to the commander, there are five companies in a battalion, and each company has 7 commanders and 110 soldiers, plus two battalion-level commanders. There are 587 people in total."

I heard that there are now two battalion-level commanders in the first battalion, and I immediately realized that my decision to let Pugachev personally lead the troops to support the friendly forces was a bit too hasty, so I quickly said to him: "Comrade Pugachev, You don't need to participate in this battle. Give the troops to a battalion commander." Finished. Without waiting for any response from him. He took a straight step forward and asked the commanders standing in front of the queue loudly: "Which is the battalion commander of the first battalion?"

Following my inquiry, a tall, thin, dark-skinned captain took a few steps forward, came to me, raised his hand in salute, and replied loudly: "Reporter Commander, Captain Horusov reports to you that I am Battalion Commander of the First Battalion."

As soon as I heard the captain report his family, I suddenly remembered who he was. A smile appeared on my face. Squinting his eyes, he said in a friendly manner: "Last time the Germans shelled the second regiment's position, the newly added soldiers collapsed under enemy fire, but you and your company continued to stay in the trenches. Is this the case? "

"Yes, comrade commander, this is indeed the case." Khorushov saw that I remember him, and said excitedly: "The enemy's artillery fire was fierce at the time. I knew that if they left the position without authorization, the troops would be on the open ground. Was consumed by German artillery fire, so the rout began. I stopped the warriors who were shaken by fear in time and kept them in the trenches. What I didn’t expect was that Captain Pugachev risked. As soon as the artillery fire arrived at the forefront, he immediately announced the appointment of me as a battalion commander in public."

I chuckled, and stepped forward to hold his hand and said: "Captain Horusov, I heard that you have participated in the Battle of Kharkov and have a wealth of combat experience. The neighboring 107.5 plateau is now suffering from the German army. Attack fiercely, I give your battalion the glorious and arduous task of rescuing the friendly forces. Do you have the confidence to complete this task?"

"Master, please rest assured, I promise to complete the task."

Seeing that I asked Khorushov to take the troops to the heights of the reinforcements of the friendly forces, Kirilov stepped forward to my side and asked the other commanders loudly: "Who is the deputy political battalion commander here? "

"Report to Comrade Political Commissar, it's me." The political worker who walked out of the queue stood beside Khorushov and replied respectfully.

I saw that the political worker who came out was actually someone I knew. It was the Savchenko who had been to the headquarters a few days ago who was escorting a fighter who violated military discipline.

Kirilov saw that the political deputy commander who came out was actually Savchenko with a gratified smile on his face. Then he stretched out his hand to shake hands with him, and at the same time told him: "Comrade Savchenko, I Both the teacher and the commander are very impressed with you. I hope that your performance in this battle will not disappoint us."

Savchenko turned his head and glanced at Khorushov next to him, and then confidently said: "Please rest assured, the division commander and political comrades, I will assist the battalion commander to complete this rescue of friendly forces."

Kirilov smiled and nodded, then turned his head, and asked for my opinion in a low voice: "Comrade commander, the army is about to set off, can you tell them a few words?"

Hearing his suggestion, I waved my hand quickly and pushed the hot potato to him again. For combat mobilization, political workers like Kirilov are more suitable.

Seeing that I was not going to make a speech, Kirilov stopped refusing, and took two steps forward, and after getting closer to the team, he began to fight and mobilize everyone: "Comrades, the fascist bandits are attacking us. The friendly forces on the high ground on the west side launch an offensive. If we do not support the friendly forces, the enemy will take the high ground and turn it into a starting point for attacking the city. So we must do everything we can to fight back with the friendly forces. The Germans attacked, defended the land under our feet, and defended the city behind us named after the supreme commander himself! Although our forces and weapons are far inferior to the fascist bandits, our military division is a good at A team that creates miracles, we have the unyielding will to fight, and we have the great spirit of not being afraid of sacrifice! I believe that you will be able to cooperate with the friendly forces to defeat the attacks of the fascist bandits."

Savchenko, who was standing in front of the queue, heard Kirilov talking about this and took the lead and shouted: "Death to the death to defend Stalingrad and drive away the fascist bandits!"

Under his leadership, all the fighters also raised their arms and shouted slogans: "Death to the death to defend Stalingrad and drive away the fascist bandits!"

Seeing the fierce friendship among the commanders and fighters, Kirilov nodded again with satisfaction, then gave the commanders and fighters an order with a violent wave of his hand: "Go!"

Standing in front of the queue, Khorushov and Savchenko stepped back two steps, solemnly raised their right hand, and saluted Kirilov and me.

Khorushov had just left Mamayev Hill with a battalion of commanders, and as soon as he entered the open area between the two high grounds, he was immediately spotted by German tanks. Several tanks that were bombarding the high ground switched their muzzles. Fired at them.

The shell just exploded in the open. Khorushov understood the movement of the troops and was spotted by the Germans. He immediately dispersed the troops and used platoons as units to pass through the enemy's artillery fire. Kirilov, who watched them alternately advancing adeptly by virtue of the terrain, and standing on the top of the **** with me, couldn't help but said with emotion: "Comrade commander. Although the commanders and fighters of the second regiment are all new fighters who have just been recruited, But judging from their tactical moves, all of them are well-trained."

Looking at the skillful actions of the commanders and fighters, I quickly understood what was going on. I quickly explained to Kirilov, who didn’t understand the inside story, “Comrades, the comrades of the political comrades, although the soldiers of the second regiment are all newly added, there is no After military training, I don’t have much combat experience. But some time ago, when the fifth regiment and I were standing at the station behind the enemy, I once urged Lieutenant Colonel Sejerikov, who was in charge of the daily affairs of the division. Let him hurry up and train the troops. , Do a good job of preparations before the fierce battle. Judging from the performance of the Second Regiment, Comrade Sergeikov has implemented my orders thoroughly."

Seeing that under the German artillery fire, the soldiers squatted forward for a while, then stood up and bends forward with the artillery. I quickly grabbed the phone that could be directly contacted with Lieutenant Diakonov, and ordered loudly: "Comrade Lieutenant, use those two heavy artillery to fire on the German tanks! Fire immediately!"

Less than two minutes after the order was given, there was a rumble of artillery from the hillside. Lieutenant Tiyakonov was instructing his gunners to bombard the German tanks in the distance, suppressing their firepower, and covering the troops of the Horusov battalion. Close to the highlands of friendly forces.

A heavy artillery is a heavy artillery. Although there are only two, they are far more powerful than the dozen or so German tanks. The first two shells fell. One shell directly knocked off the turret of a tank. Although the other shell fell in the middle of the two tanks, it also blew up five or six infantrymen hiding near the tank. .

I was looking at the results of the heavy artillery, and suddenly there was a rush of footsteps behind me. I turned my head and saw that it was Godunov, the acting commander of the third regiment. He ran to stand behind us panting. Then raised his hand to salute.

Kirilov stepped forward, stretched out his hand to shake hands with him enthusiastically, and asked, "Captain Godunov, why did you get here?"

"Comrade Political Commissar, the order our regiment received was to assist the friendly forces in defending the 107.5 highlands. But now the German invaders are attacking the highlands, but our regiment is not staying in the residential areas much. In this case, the commanders can be emotional. "

"Emotional person, is it you first?!" Kirilov's free finger pointed at Godunov, and he ruthlessly exposed his little conspiracy. However, Kirilov was very satisfied with Godunov’s eagerness to fight. After letting go, he raised his hand and patted the opponent's shoulder, and said earnestly: "Comrade Godunov, don’t worry. Some of the battles were fought by you. The reason why the division commander and I sent troops from the second regiment to reinforce the friendly highlands because they were stationed closer to the target than your regiment."

I also walked to Godunov, shook hands with him, and then asked, "Captain Godunov, how many people did you take?"

"The three infantry companies fully loaded are all German-style equipment." Godunov replied.

"You just ran from a residential area that far away, and if you immediately rush to the high ground to support the friendly forces, can you still run?" Kirilov asked with concern.

Godunov graciously replied: "Please rest assured, the division commander and political commissar, there is no problem. The soldiers are full of enthusiasm for fighting, but during this period of time because the commander was injured, our regiment is resting most of the time. The regiment won many battles, and the soldiers could no longer hold back. They thought of meeting the Germans on the battlefield. I said, the commander, the political commissar, we ran so far to the high ground, it’s not to watch the excitement, we must give We assign tasks!"

I looked at Kirilov and saw that his face was full of joy at the moment, so I suggested to him: "Comrade Political Commissar, my opinion is to let Comrade Godunov take these three companies to join in reinforcements. What's your opinion?"

Kirilov smiled and replied to me: "Comrade commander, I said a long time ago that I only take care of the political and ideological work in the division and military matters, and you have the final say."

"Okay, then I'll be the master of this matter." After I said this, I said to Godunov again: "Comrade Captain, come and see, Captain Horusov of the Second Regiment. His first battalion braved the enemy’s artillery fire. He rushed to the southern **** of the high ground. At present, our division’s heavy artillery is suppressing the German tank fire. Your task is to take your three companies and rush to the foot of the southern slope. ."

"But Comrade Commander," Hearing the order I gave him, he actually arrived at the foot of the southern **** of the friendly highland. He was a little anxious. "You know, our regiment's combat effectiveness is not worse than that of the second regiment. It's even worse. It’s a little stronger. Besides, I led my troops to stay on the high ground for a period of time. The terrain there is very familiar to me. I assure you that as long as the troops of our regiment reach the high ground, they can lead the troops in at most five minutes. The offensive German was defeated."

Seeing him eager to fight, I hurriedly said: "Captain Godunov, I understand what you are thinking. But since you have been on that high ground, you should understand that you cannot deploy large troops on the high ground. I have already sent it. The five companies of the second regiment have gone up. If you put your three companies into battle again. With the original defenders on the high ground, the formation of the troops will be too dense. A single German shell can kill and injure us. A dozen or even dozens of people. Huge casualties will seriously affect the morale of our army. Do you understand?"

Godunov heard me say this and suddenly realized that he happily saluted Kirilov and me: "Understood, commander, political commissar. Allow me to take the troops out?"

Seeing Kirilov nodded, I said to Godunov: "Go, Comrade Captain. When passing through the open ground, let the commanders and soldiers pay attention to concealment to minimize unnecessary casualties."

When Godunov left, I raised the telescope again and looked at the open field. On the open ground, more than 30 craters with green smoke appeared. Around the craters, more or less our soldiers lay. Some were lying motionless on the ground, while others were obviously injured and tumbling constantly on the ground. At this time, Captain Khorushov’s troops were no more than a hundred meters away from the high ground, and as long as they made two more dashes, they could rush into the dead corner of the German tank shooting.

I picked up the phone again and called Akhromeyev who was on duty in the division headquarters. As soon as the phone was connected, I hurriedly said: "Hey, Comrade Chief of Staff, you immediately call the division health team and ask them to send people to the open area between Mamayev Hill and 107.5 Heights to rescue the wounded."

"Is there a health team in the division?" Kirilov asked curiously when I put down the phone.

Regarding this question, I shrugged my shoulders and replied with some helplessness: "Comrade political comrades, when the police division was formed, although there was a sanitation team, it has always been a nameless one. Until I led the five regiments and returned from the enemy's back, Only then did I know that the superior had already sent a lot of medical staff to the division, making the health team worthy of the name."

The preparation task I assigned to Sergeikov in the enemy's back seemed to be done well. The second regiment, which had the worst combat effectiveness in the past, rushed to the top of the mountain, rushing down the German infantry like a tiger down the mountain. They smashed the grenade in a head-to-head, and before the smoke cleared, they rushed to the panicked German army with their weapons, and started a hand-to-hand battle with them.

Seeing the enemy and our armies tangled together, my heart became more at ease. The German tanks were afraid of accidentally injuring their own people, so they absolutely did not dare to fire easily. As for the soldiers of our division, I have always put the training of hand-to-hand combat in the first place from the beginning of the formation, so that everyone can have a little advantage in the future street fighting.

Our soldiers fought hand-to-hand with the Germans on the northern slopes of the highlands. Lieutenant Tiyakonov’s heavy artillery unit was not idle either. They systematically fired, at least reimbursing more than half of the German tanks. The remaining tanks saw that they were not opponents, so they turned their heads desperately. Slipped away.

And Captain Godunov, in the end, still did not fully execute my orders. Seeing the German tanks retreating, he took his own initiative and led the troops to fight upwards from the direction of the North Slope, forming a front and back flanking force with the two regiments fighting from top to bottom. Seeing Godunov holding a pistol into the middle of the German army, he kept shooting the German soldiers close to him with his pistol. Seeing that the German army was caught in the front and back of our army, the commanders' morale immediately rose and they became more brave.

Seeing our troops successfully attacked the attacking German troops, I was relieved and said to Kirilov: "Let's go, Comrade Political Commissar, let's go back to the headquarters."

The first thing I did when I returned to the command center was to call in Razumeyeva and ask her: "Comrade Lieutenant, how do we communicate with the friendly high ground here?"

My question stopped Razumeyeva. She took a moment. He said blankly: "Comrade commander. In addition to communicating within the military division. We can also directly talk to the command of the group army, and even send a telegram to a higher-level command organization. As for the friendly forces that stick to the 107.5 heights. Well, I can't contact yet."

Hearing her saying this, I immediately criticized her: "How can this work, Comrade Lieutenant? You know, our division still has the task of assisting the 125th Infantry Regiment to maintain the 107.5 heights. If they cannot communicate with each other, then I How to direct the battle?"

Kirilov's eyes were red when I said Razumeyeva. So he walked to our side and said to Razumeyeva in a kind tone: "Comrade Lieutenant, you think of a way to establish a communication link between Mamayev Hill and 107.5 Heights as soon as possible. As for whether to use a walkie-talkie or a cable The call is up to you, a professional, to make the final decision."

Razumeyeva thought for a while and replied: "Report to the commander and political commissar. We currently have a small number of walkie-talkies and walkie-talkies. We can barely meet the needs of the communication between regiment-level units. So let me send someone to the two groups. Pull a phone line between the high ground. In this case, if there is anything, you can call them anytime."

"That's a good idea." I complimented her and immediately urged her: "Then don't hesitate, send someone to set up the phone line immediately."

After Razumeyeva raised her hand to salute, she planned to leave, but was stopped by Kirilov again, and only listened to his order: "Comrade Lieutenant, you should let the telegraph operator Nadya bring the telegraph later. Come here, so that the superiors can contact us immediately if they have any new instructions."

Five minutes later, the radio operator Corporal Naja and her radio were set up in the corner of the command post by the door. After she adjusted the machine, I contacted Cui Kefu and reported to him about the attack on the 107.5th Heights of the friendly army.

After hearing this, Cui Koff was taken aback and asked nervously, "Oshanina, how is the situation now? Has the German offensive been repelled?"

"Report to Comrade Commander, after the start of the German offensive, I transferred a battalion from the 2nd and 3rd regiments to reinforce them. Now the enemy’s offensive has been repelled by us. Only burning tanks are left in front of the position. And the corpses of the German soldiers." After I gave Cui Koff the reassurance, I added: "Because our division cannot communicate with the friendly highlands, we don't know the results of our battles and the casualties of the friendly troops for the time being. "

Cui Kefu thoughtfully said: "Oshanina, as far as I know, when the tank army was holding on to the high ground, apart from dug two trenches, it did not build any fortifications. I estimate that in this case, the 125th regiment The casualties must be small."

"How do you think about it, Comrade Commander?" I asked cautiously, "Do I need to send troops to change their defenses?"

As soon as my voice fell, Cui Kefu said hurriedly: "Okay, since you take the initiative to say that, then the task of sticking to the 107.5 heights will be handed over to your teacher."

After listening to Cui Kefu's words, I can't wait to slap myself in the face, am I not making trouble for myself? Two highlands and one settlement in Mamayev Hill, plus the Volga River Pier, both gave me a headache. Now that I add a 107.5 highland, the defense area of ​​my division is a bit too big. Facing the fierce German attack, can our division stop it? But the words have been spoken, just like the spilled water that cannot be collected, I can only bite the bullet and say: "Well, Comrade Commander, I will transfer the third regiment tonight and officially take over the 125th regiment. Defense."

"Thank you, Colonel Oshanina, thank you!" After listening to my statement, Cui Kefu unexpectedly thanked me uncharacteristically. Just as I was at a loss, Cui Kefu continued: "Due to the large losses of the 125th regiment in the early battles, even after the first two days of supplementation, the total strength of the regiment is only four hundred. Let them be such a cripple. The incomplete and exhausted division went to guard the 107.5 highland, and my heart was not at ease. But now I am fine, and leave this high ground to your military division to guard, not only I can rest assured, even the commander of the front army is also at ease."

As soon as my conversation with Cui Kefu ended, the phone rang on the desk. Sitting at the table, Akhromeyev picked up the microphone, only fed it, and suddenly covered the microphone with his hand, and said excitedly to Kirilov and me: "The commander, the political commissar, is Huo on the high ground of the friendly army. Captain Rusov called."

I rushed to the table, took the microphone from Akhromeyev's hand and pressed it to my ear. Say loudly: "Hello. Hello. Is this Captain Horusov? I am the commander, Colonel Oshanina."

Hearing my voice, Khorushov hurriedly said: "Report to the commander, we have assisted the friendly forces in destroying the German forces that attacked the highlands. Please instruct us on the next task."

"Comrade Captain, I now formally announce to you that your first battalion and Captain Godunov's troops will take over the defense of the high ground. As for the troops that held the high ground, let them withdraw to the city immediately after the transfer of defense."

After listening to my order. Horusov whispered something to the person next to him. After a while, he raised his voice and said to me: "Comrade Commander, Captain Sumsky, commander of the 125th Regiment, wants to speak to you." Before I could express my opinion, an unfamiliar voice came from the headset: "Hello, comrade commander. I am Captain Sumsky, Chief of Staff of the 125th Regiment. I want to make a request to you. Can we continue to stay on the high ground? Our commander and so many outstanding commanders and fighters have sacrificed. Here, we can’t just leave their remains and withdraw back to the city.”

"Captain Sumsky," at his request. I did not directly refuse, but politely asked: "How many people are left in your group?"

Captain Sumsky heard my question. After a moment of stunned response, he replied: "Report to the commander, when the whole regiment was on the ground, there were 389 people. In the previous battle, most of our commanders and fighters were lost in the enemy's artillery preparation. Now the whole regiment is still left There were 182 people, of which 148 were slightly injured."

Hearing the data he reported, my heart couldn't help but hesitated. I didn't expect that their casualties were so great that there was only one platoon of uninjured soldiers left in the regiment. Thinking of this, I no longer have any resistance to the defense order issued by Cui Koff. After all, with the strength of the 125th regiment, the German infantry will not have the cover of cannons and tanks, as long as they have another attack like this. They were wiped out.

At this moment, I did not hesitate to reject Captain Sumsky’s request: "Comrade Captain, you should take your men back to the city to rest, and transfer all the positions to Captain Horusov and Godu. Captain Nov and them."

"But..." Captain Sumsky also tried to convince me.

"It's nothing, Comrade Captain." I interrupted what he wanted to say, and said in an unquestionable tone: "It is an order of your superior to withdraw you to the city, and it is also a love for your regiment. Remember, Comrade Captain, superior The order is not allowed to be discussed and must be executed unconditionally."

Seeing that I had already said this, Captain Sumsky knew that nothing else would help, so he sighed and said helplessly: "Well, I will execute the order and immediately withdraw the troops to the city."

When the phone returned to Khorushov's hands, I immediately ordered him: "Comrade Captain, you immediately organize soldiers to repair fortifications on the high ground, and be prepared for a bad fight."

"Comrade commander," Khorushov said a little hesitantly, "the soldiers are tired now after the battle. Can I let them rest for a night and fix it after daybreak tomorrow?"

"No," I unequivocally refused his request, and said unceremoniously: "Comrade Captain, do you think the Germans will give you time to rest? Maybe the Germans will start shelling the high ground just after dawn tomorrow. . Seven or eight hundred of you crowded on the high ground without fortifications, waiting to be attacked by the German shells?"

Hearing my anger, Khorushov had to honestly promised: "Understood, comrade teacher, I will organize manpower to build fortifications on the high ground."

I knew in my heart that although Khorushov promised to carry out the order, I still didn’t know how to scold me, but I didn’t care about him at this time. Instead, I called Razumeeva in and asked her curiously. : "Comrade Lieutenant, is your communication company very efficient? It took at most 15 minutes from the time I gave the order to the call."

Razumeyeva smiled and replied: "That's it, comrade commander. I let the fighters in charge of wiring go to the friendly high ground by truck. In this way, the time on the road is greatly shortened, so the ability In a short period of time, we can talk to the friendly highlands."

After Razumeyeva went out, the leaders of our three divisions sat around the table again. Akhromeyev first said: "Comrade commander, I think we should ask our superiors to equip us with enough artillery, otherwise we will always be suppressed by the German artillery in the battle. Casualties."

"Comrade Chief of Staff, your idea is good." After hearing this, Kirilov poured cold water on him, "Not to mention that the group army now has artillery, even if we are equipped with artillery~lightnovelpub.net~ Situation Nor is it optimistic."

"Why?" I wanted to ask this question, but I didn't expect to be robbed by Akhromeyev first, so I didn't superfluous, just waited silently for his answer.

"If the mortar company is sent to us, the caliber of the gun is too small to pose a threat to the enemy's long-range artillery and tanks. If it is a heavy artillery unit, to avoid becoming the enemy's air attack target, it needs to continue to do so. Transfer. But in this situation, where do we find so many towing trucks, and where do we find so much gasoline for trucks?"

After hearing Kirillov's analysis of the actual difficulties, I couldn't help feeling disappointed. I just wanted to open my mouth to express my opinion, and suddenly thought of Kirillov's last words, a flash of inspiration flashed in my mind. A good idea. He hurriedly asked Kirilov: "Comrade Political Commissar, although we can't get the gasoline that the truck needs right now, can we get an empty gasoline drum?"

"Gas barrel?!" After hearing my question, not only Kirilov, but even Akhromeyev was stunned. (To be continued...)

ps: Bow to thank the book friends for the precious monthly support voted by the book thief, the oiled paper umbrella & secular, the marine guards, and the Chu Xiangshui children's shoes! ()