Burning Moscow

I didn't speak, but raised my hand to salute, and finally glanced at Sologubu's body lying on the ground before turning around and walking out of the shelter.

I walked back along the trenches, meeting the commanders who were supporting the wounded from time to time. The commanders stopped, turned their backs against the trench and raised their hands to salute me. After I passed, they continued to move forward.

For the sacrifice of Colonel Solokub, I didn't feel too much sadness, and I have seen too many lives and deaths since I have traveled to the present. During the war, human lives are as cheap as grass, not to mention a colonel, even a general has the possibility of sacrifice. In the cruel Battle of Stalingrad, Solokub was neither the first division commander nor the last to be sacrificed.

When the messenger Sidolin saw me, he greeted me loudly from afar: "Hey, Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, I am here. Do you have anything to tell me?"

"Sidorin," I answered him loudly, "Do you know where the reporter is? I have important information to report to the commander of the group army."

"The signalman is still parking there. Wait a moment, I'll call him for you." He turned around and left after speaking.

I quickly stopped Sidorin and told him, "Don't call him over, take me to him."

"Then, Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, please come to me. I will take you to him."

As I followed Sidorin to the jeep, a strange thought suddenly popped into my mind somehow: the news of Colonel Sologub’s death, why did Trikov ask me to report to General Shumilov? ? Does he mean he wants me to take over as the commander of the 112th Division?

Although I don't know how many people there are in the 112th Division at this time, based on my observations just now. The number of people is definitely not too much. And there is a serious lack of ammunition. If you give me such a tired army of division veterans. It's okay to guard the rear, if it is used in the main combat direction, it will not escape the doom of annihilation of the entire army.

The correspondent was standing not far from the jeep, saw me and Sidorin passing by, hurriedly greeted him, raised his hand to salute, and asked politely: "Hello, comrade Lieutenant Colonel. May I have any instructions?"

"Contact the command of the group army immediately. I have important information and I want to report it to the commander." I didn't set off with the communicator, and directly explained my intentions.

After contacting the headquarters, it was another military commissar of the group army, Sergyuk, who answered the phone. It is said that he used to be the first secretary of the Kiev State Party Committee. Hearing my voice, he asked kindly: "It's you. , Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina. Is there anything you want to report to the headquarters?"

"Comrade Military Commissioner, I am on the order of General Trikov to report to the headquarters." I said solemnly, "Under the joint attack of the 112th and 98th Divisions. We successfully wiped out the enemy occupying the left bank of the Don River. But in the battle, Colonel Sologubu, the commander of the 112th Division, did not hesitate to sacrifice...."

"What? Colonel Solokub died." Hearing the death of the commander of the 112th Division. Serdjuk's voice trembled a little, "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, did you hear what someone said or saw it with your own eyes?"

"I saw the body of Colonel Solokub with my own eyes, Comrade Military Commissioner."

Serdjuk remained silent, so long that he did not speak, so much that I thought he had interrupted contact with me. I cast my gaze on the signal soldier and asked him whether the communication was interrupted, but the signal soldier shook his head and made a gesture to signal that the communication was still going on.

I waited patiently for a while. I still didn't hear the other party. I couldn't help but feel a little anxious. I asked tentatively: "Comrade Military Commissioner, are you still there?"

Serdjuk woke up from his thoughts and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, comrade Lieutenant Colonel. I lost my mind for a while because I recalled the days when I fought side by side with Colonel Sologub. Please forgive me. You and Is the command contacted just to report this matter?"

"Not only that, Comrade Military Commissioner. General Cuikov said that the commander of the 112th Division was sacrificed, and he hoped that Commander Shumilov could appoint a new commander as soon as possible." After I said this, I suddenly felt something was wrong. The 112th Division was not. Has it been assigned to the 62nd Army? Shumilov, commander of the 62nd Army, was not qualified to appoint a new division commander last night.

Sure enough, Serdjuk also said embarrassedly: "Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, please tell General Trikov that the 112th Division has been placed under the command of the 62nd Army, and we now have no right to appoint a new division commander."

"Oh, I see. Comrade Military Commissioner, I will convey your words to General Cui Kefu as soon as possible."

Although the proposal I conveyed was rejected, I was considered to have completed the task assigned by Cui Koff. After leaving the jeep, I returned to the position to look for him. However, Cuikov was not found in the shelter, and a passing soldier was pulled to inquire, only to know that Cuikov and Gorazkov had gone to the Don River.

When I rushed to the river, I saw Cui Kefu and the others standing facing the Don River from a distance, pointing towards the river. I ran to the back of Cui Kefu quickly. Although he did not notice my arrival, I stood up and saluted honestly and reported: "Report to Comrade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina has completed the task you assigned. I will come back to you and wait for your order, please give me your instructions."

Cui Kefu turned his head to see that it was me, and beckoned me to come to him.

I walked up to him and asked curiously: "Comrade Commander, what are you looking at?"

Gorazkov next to him said first: "Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, look at the river."

I looked towards the middle of the Don River and saw two side-by-side ferries behind, dragging a long string of wooden rafts on which trucks and artillery were neatly arranged. When I saw this, I couldn't help but turn around and asked Cui Kefu curiously: "Comrade Commander, is the artillery of the 112th Division crossing the river?"

Cui Koff nodded and said, "Yes, I thought the bridge on the Don River was blown up, and there was no special barge. The artillery and cars left on the right bank could only be blown up. Unexpectedly, the artillery of the 112th Division Director Godlevsky actually thought of using this method to transport these equipment, it is really not easy!"

Although I saw that the ferry had passed the center of the river. But I still feel uneasy in my heart. I am afraid that enemy planes will suddenly appear in the sky. Just a few dives and bombs can sink this fleet.

But fortunately, what I was worried about did not happen. When I saw the ferry steadily approach the shore and began to let the trucks and artillery disembark in turn, the rock hanging in my heart fell to the ground.

A group of soldiers got off the ferry and walked directly towards us. Soon they came to us, led by a colonel. Seeing the dazzling red star medal on his right chest, I suddenly felt that the several red flag medals I had won were eclipsed.

The colonel was about to raise his hand in salute. Cui Koff had already taken a step forward, shook his hand, and greeted enthusiastically: "Hello, our Hero of the Soviet Union, I am very glad to see you here." After shaking his hand, he turned to introduce us, "Maybe everyone is not Get to know him, this is Colonel Godlevsky, the artillery director of the 112th Division. Because he showed bravery and tenacious fighting spirit when fighting against Finland, he was awarded the Red Star Medal by the Supreme Command and the honor of Hero of the Soviet Union. title."

He heard that there was a hero of the Soviet Union in front of him, except for Lieutenant Colonel Mikharisin, the deputy commander of the 112th Division. General Gorazkov and Colonel Selekin stepped forward to shake hands with him one by one, and at the same time expressed their respect for him. After they all shook hands. I just stepped forward, reached out and shook his hand, and said politely: "Hello, Colonel Godlevsky, it's nice to meet you."

"You are not easy, Comrade Lieutenant Colonel." Goldlevsky shook my hand and said friendlyly: "Although I have never seen you in person, I have known you for a long time. You brought four fighters to repel the enemy tank troops, which deeply encouraged the morale of all commanders and soldiers in our division."

I don’t agree with what he said. When fighting the tanks, I was still in the headquarters of the 62nd Army, serving as an aide-in-command of General Kolpakchi. At that time, the 112th Infantry had already been fighting with the 62nd Army. In the sequence, it was assigned to Cui Kefu's group army, and it was a bit far-fetched when it came to boosting morale. But since he talked about it, I couldn't be too cold, so I smiled at him.

Unexpectedly, he misunderstood that I was expressing humility. He patted me on the shoulder with his left hand, and turned his head to the commanders on the left and right. He said, "Look, the lieutenant colonel is really humble. He has made such a great contribution. But he doesn't want to show off at all, he is such a rare good commander!"

Before he could continue speaking, Cui Kefu interrupted his words and said, "Comrade Colonel, I have bad news to tell you."

Hearing Cuikov's words, Godlevsky's originally smiling face became serious, and he said sternly, "Comrade Commander, please tell me!"

"Your teacher, Colonel Solokub, died gloriously while crossing the river?"

"What?!" Godlevsky was taken aback when he heard the bad news. He had an incredible expression on his face. He grabbed Mikharin's arm, shook it vigorously, and asked loudly: "Vice Comrade Commander, is what General Cui Kefu said true?"

Mihalisin's eyes were red, and he nodded slightly, saying that what Cui Koff said was true. At the same time, he added: "The ferry that Comrade Commander took was hit by enemy fire when it approached the shore. Because of that. The explosion of the shells caused the martyrdom of the ammunition. There were more than two hundred people on the ship, and fewer than fifty people survived."

The deputy commander of the 112th Division and the artillery chief were talking about Sologub’s sacrifice. Cuikov quietly pulled me aside and asked in a low voice: "Oshanina, about Sologub, you reported it to Shumilov. Does it?" Seeing me nodding, he then asked: "Who did he designate to replace Colonel Sologubu's post of commander?"

Hearing Cui Kefu’s question, I said with some embarrassment: "Comrade Commander, it is Comrade Serdjuk, a military commissioner of the group army, who spoke with me. After listening to my report, he said that the 112th Division is no longer part of our group army. In the battle sequence, they have no right to decide who the new division commander is."

After listening to Cui Kefu, he slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand, and cursed in a low voice: "Confused, confused!"

Cui Kefu's words made me feel very embarrassed. It is said that when I came here just now, I should report this incident to him in time. As a result, I was busy watching the artillery equipment crossing the river and forgot about it.

Cui Kefu looked up. Seeing my face flushed. Chuckled lightly. He quickly explained to me: "Oshanina, don't worry about it. I'm not talking about you, but about myself. I have forgotten the important thing of the 112th Division under the 62nd Army. It's really confused. Up."

Hearing the commander apologizing to me, I quickly said: "Comrade Commander, I was also wrong about this matter. I should have reported this to you as soon as I saw you."

After Godlevsky and Mikhalsin had finished speaking, he walked in front of Trikov. Qi Qi raised his hand to salute, and asked in unison: "Comrade Commander, who is the new commander of our division?"

Cui Kefu spread his hands out, shrugged, and said helplessly: "It's a pity, comrades, two commanders, I don't think I can answer your question. Because your division and the 98th division have already planned In the battle sequence of the 62nd Army, I, the deputy commander of the 64th Army, have no right to appoint a new division commander."

Mihalisin asked anxiously: "Comrade Commander. What can you do? Without a division commander, this unit is a mess. The combat effectiveness will be affected by this..."

"Comrade Commander, Comrade Commander!" At this moment, a familiar shout came from a distance. I turned my head and saw that Sidorin, the messenger soldier, was flying towards us.

Seeing Sidorin running so tight, I guessed that there might be an urgent order to be handed over to Cui Kefu, and said to Cui Kefu: "Comrade Commander, look, the messenger Sidorin is running here, it seems to be Is there any important order to give you?" Cui Kefu nodded in agreement with what I said.

Sidorin ran up in front of us panting, raised his hand to salute Cui Kefu, then handed a piece of paper over, panting and saying: "Comrade Commander, the headquarters telegram just received."

Trikov took a look, then turned to Godlevsky and Mikhalsin who were standing next to him and said: "I just received a telegram from Commander Shumilov. He said that he had just been with the 62nd Army. The acting commander, General Kolpakchi, contacted and informed of the death of Colonel Sologub. Now, Kolpakchi has appointed the deputy chief of staff of the headquarters, Colonel Yelmölkin, as the new commander of the 112th Division. The supervisor is rushing here, so you must hurry up and do a good job of reception."

After the two agreed, Mikhail Sim asked again: "Comrade Commander, do you stay and wait for the new commander?"

Cui Kefu waved his hand and said, "I have other things, so I won't stay here. Good luck!" After speaking, shaking hands with the four commanders of the two divisions one by one, he led me to the jeep. Go there.

On the way, I asked curiously: "Comrade Commander, where shall we go next?"

"According to Commander Shumilov's order, we must immediately rush to the 229th Division's garrison and urge the troops of Colonel Saren and the 66th Marine Brigade to retreat."

"Didn't these two units fight well? Why retreat?" I don't know the other units. I have to know that I was still in the 229th Division two days ago, and I was commanding the troops with Sarin. In front of us, the enemy's offensive was repelled time and time again, and the division still had the strength to persist for a longer time.

"The current situation is very unfavorable for us, Comrade Oshanina." After getting into the jeep, Cui Koff patiently explained to me: "Next, what we have to face is a more cruel battle. In this way, Forces with combat experience are required to quickly build fortifications along the Volga River to prevent the enemy from approaching Stalingrad quickly."

It was the first time I heard from Trikov’s mouth about the defensive positions on the Volga River. It can be seen that the Soviet army’s blockade in the Don River Basin ended in failure. They will gradually retreat from their current positions, fighting and retreating. Enter a new position on the Volga River, and continue to fight the enemy with arduous and outstanding battles.

When we hurried to the station of the 229th Division, we suddenly heard a intensive gunfire from the front. Cui Kefu suddenly became anxious and urged the driver to speed up and get to the division headquarters as soon as possible.

The division headquarters is located on a small hill covered with trees. When we arrived at the destination, we found that the division had already been transferred. I could not see the division commander Saren, only the political director who stayed to command the troops after the division. Bandurin, I heard from him that the main force of the division and the 66th Marine Brigade had withdrawn an hour ago. At present, only one battalion and another company are left to serve as a deterrent.

"Where is the most intense gunfire?" Cui Kefu asked anxiously.

"Report to Comrade Commander," Bandurin replied: "It's an unnamed highland in front, where one of our companies is blocking the enemy. If they lose their defense, the enemy will pounce on us."

"Go, go to the top of the mountain and have a look." Cui Kefu said in an unquestionable tone. Bandulin originally wanted to dissuade ~www.wuxiaspot.com~ but when he saw Cui Kefu's serious expression, he opened his mouth and swallowed it back. .

We came to the observatory on the top of the mountain and looked at the unknown high ground ahead with a telescope. Due to the bombardment of enemy artillery and tank artillery, the opposite position was shrouded in heavy gunpowder smoke, and nothing was seen at all.

When the enemy's shelling stopped, the enemy infantry assembled near the hillside charged.

I saw through the binoculars that the battlefield was surrounded by fireworks. Not only could I not see a figure, but also could not hear a gunshot. Even when the enemy's forward troops had cautiously approached halfway up the mountain, there was still no movement. Seeing this scene, I couldn't help but squeeze a sweat, and said to my heart that all the commanders on the battlefield would have sacrificed, right?

I am anxious, and Cui Kefu and Bandulin are also anxious. Cui Koff even gave an order to Bandulin: "Comrade Bandulin, when the enemy reaches the top of the mountain, immediately order the light and heavy machine guns on our position to fire, and we must use firepower to knock down the enemy." (To be continued...)

ps: I would like to thank the book friends, old godfather, Xiao Liang's kitchen knife, the dead Hachi, and Ding Ding for their precious monthly tickets in 1970; the updated tickets for the voice of the book friends' miracles, and the book friends, Xinchang Guowei,... for their generous rewards.