Burning Moscow

After talking about my arrangements, Cuikov asked Zhukov curiously: "Comrade General, why did the high command suddenly send you to Stalingrad?"

Regarding the question of the old friend, Zhukov smiled and replied: "I am sent by Comrade Stalin to replace Comrade Vasilievsky and lead our army in the entire Stalingrad region. Because of the General Staff and the Supreme Command. There is a great need for Vasilievsky, a "intelligent star", to coordinate the deployment of the national war situation. In terms of specific command and operation, Comrade Stalin seemed to think that I was better than the chief of staff who was a staff member, so he sent me over. "

Just now several generals have mentioned one after another: Where Zhukov goes, he will start an attack. Although Zhukov did not comment on this statement, Cui Kefu, the commander of the upcoming 62nd Army, still curiously asked him about the next deployment.

After a moment of silence, Zhukov said calmly: "Before I left Moscow, the Supreme Commander himself once told me that he would immediately dispatch the 24th and 66th Army and the 1st Guards Army to Stalingrad. So. The first thing I did after arriving in Stalingrad was to immediately deploy the counterattacks of these three armies."

When Cui Kefu wanted to say something, suddenly someone rushed in from outside the house, hurriedly glanced at the people present, walked quickly to Cui Kefu's side, leaned over and leaned close to his ear and whispered a few words. Sentence.

Zhukov found this sudden intruder and his expression became serious. He looked at this man and asked in a stern tone: "Who are you?"

The person who had just entered was asked so suddenly by Zhukov. Unexpectedly, there was still a general sitting in the room. Suddenly he was frightened and panicked. He didn't know how to answer this question, so he turned his attention to Cui Kefu who was asking for help. And Cui Kefu was obviously still digesting the news he had just received, and he didn't notice the dilemma of his subordinate.

This person just came in, except for me and Cui Kefu, everyone else should not know him. Seeing him at a loss, I just wanted to stand up and answer Zhu Kefu. Unexpectedly, Zhukov repeated his question again at this time: "You didn't hear what I was talking about. Comrade Private? I just asked you, who are you, why did you come in without reporting?"

Zhukov’s voice awakened Cui Kefu from his contemplation. He quickly stood up and introduced Zhukov, “Comrade General, this is my commander Sidorin.” Then he took a step towards Zhukov and lowered his voice. One point said, "He is the son of Lieutenant Colonel Sidorin, my former Director of Operations. After the lieutenant colonel died by the Don River, he has been by my side."

Cui Kefu's words. After Zhukov fell silent, he walked to Xiao Xidolin's side. Reached out and patted him on the shoulder, and asked kindly, "Xidolin, how old is this year?"

Xiao Xi Duolin lowered his head and replied timidly, "I have turned 16 this year."

After listening to Zhukov, he nodded and said, "Although he is a little smaller, he is also a glorious Red Army soldier. Why didn't he call for a report when he came in just now?"

Listening to Zhukov’s words, Xiao Xidolin quickly raised his head to explain: "I’m sorry, Comrade General, I don’t know you are here, and sister Oshanina and I are also very familiar with each other, so I didn’t even call the report, so I went straight into it. Come in."

Zhukov heard him say this, and couldn't help turning his head to look at me and asked curiously: "Lida, is this true?"

I quickly stood up and replied: "Yes, Comrade Commander, I am very familiar with Xiao Xidolin. He almost never calls a report when he arrives at my headquarters, and he comes in directly."

After listening to Zhukov, he lowered his head and asked Sidolin: "Little Sidolin, you rushed in to find General Cikov, don't you know what's going on?"

Seeing Zhukov’s kind attitude, Sidorin was no longer as scared as he was just now. He quickly stood at attention, straightened his body, and reported loudly: "I just got the report that the German army is launching a fierce attack on the Mashkova River. The fighting is fierce. ."

Xiao Xidolin's words surprised everyone who stayed in the room, except Zhukov and Cui Kefu.

Zhukov glanced across the map, and then asked Sidorin: "What is the strength of the Germans?"

"Under the cover of the plane, the Germans dispatched more than 200 tanks and armored vehicles. In addition, there was a regiment of infantrymen on the left and right. They attacked our defense line. The 126th Infantry Division defending the area was fighting with the Germans tenaciously. Fighting."

"Comrade Cui Kefu," Zhukov told Cui Kefu who was standing in front of him after listening to Xiao Xidolin's report: "This may be your last battle under the command of the 64th Army. Go to the front line immediately. In a word, don't hesitate. At all costs, we must hold on to the Meshkova River and never let the Germans move forward."

Cui Kefu quickly agreed, and took Sidolin and left the headquarters.

I raised my hand and looked at my watch. It was almost noon, so I asked Zhukov: "Comrade General, it's getting late. Will you stay here for lunch?"

Zhukov also raised his hand to look at his watch, nodded, and said, "Well, after having lunch at your place, I will rush to Stalingrad to meet with Comrade Vasilevsky."

Hearing that Zhukov was willing to stay with me for lunch, I immediately ordered Razumeyeva to go to the cooking class to make arrangements.

After Razumeyeva left, Zhukov asked about the defense of our division. After I explained the situation to him in detail, he thoughtfully said: "From the current situation, Hult’s 4th Tank Army had no achievements in the battle for nearly a week. They lost a lot of money. Combatants and technical equipment, currently losing the energy to move forward, have to temporarily abandon the attack on the Red Army City, and then advance to the Volga River and Paulus 6th Army's plan."

After Zhukov finished speaking, I humbly asked him: "Although the 4th Army of the German Tanks temporarily stopped the offensive, the offensive of the 6th Paulus Army is still very fierce. I would like to ask, under the current circumstances, What kind of action should our army take to suppress the powerful German offensive?"

The words came out. I noticed that Krylov and Kirilov's faces changed drastically. Suddenly I understood that I asked a question that I shouldn't ask. Krylov glanced at Zhukov, who was silent. I stood up and criticized me and said, "Colonel Oshanina, please pay attention to your own identity. You are only a division commander, not a commander of the front army. There is no need to report to you how Comrade Zhukov deployed during the battle." Although he His words are very heavy, but from his expression, I can still see that he is worried that I will offend Zhukov. Only then deliberately stood up and criticized me.

"Don't get excited, Comrade Krylov," Zhukov raised his hand and pressed down, motioning Krykov to sit down, adding, "Comrade Lida's strategic vision and level of judgment on the situation are very often It is unmatched by our senior commanders. If the base camp is reminded by Lida and decisively deploys troops to strengthen the defense of the Don River Basin and the Stalingrad region, it is still unknown whether the German army can cross the Don River at this moment. It."

Hearing Zhukov's words, Kirilov, who had not spoken, was taken aback. He asked curiously: "Comrade General, when I was still in the Central Committee, I heard other colleagues say in private that a famous staff member in the Volkhov Front actually spoke to Comrade Stalin through General Meretskov. It is said that the target of the German offensive in the summer offensive was neither Moscow nor the Caucasus oil fields. At that time, Comrade Stalin was very angry after hearing this report. After scolding General Meretskov, he also said that he would send this staff officer. Guard Mamayev Hill. You also know that a commander who is transferred from the front to a defense-free area is almost marginalized, and his career in the army ends here. Listen to you, don’t you think? Is this person who spoke to Comrade Stalin, Colonel Oshanina?"

Zhukov looked at me and smiled without saying a word, so I stood up and blushed and confessed to Kirilov: "You are right, comrade, regiment-level political comrade, that person is me."

After hearing this, Kirilov took a step forward, stretched out his hand to me, and said with a little excitement: "Sure enough, it is you, Colonel Oshanina, you are so amazing, you can actually be able to rely only on some traces. , You can judge the next move of the German army."

Kirilov's words seemed to remind Zhukov. He looked up at me and asked: "Lida, do you think the 126th Infantry Division can hold the position on the Meshkova River?"

Hearing his question, I shook my head almost without thinking, and then replied decisively: "Comrade General, please forgive me, the 126th Division cannot keep the Meshkova River."

"Why? Tell me your reasons." Zhukov asked.

With the experience of working in the command of the group army some time ago, Zhukov’s question was smooth and natural for me to answer: “First of all, the 126th Division suffered a lot of casualties in the early battle, and it has not received timely supplements. There are only less than four thousand men left in the division; secondly, in terms of equipment, the 126th division has no anti-aircraft weapons and insufficient anti-tank weapons. Facing the three-dimensional offensive of the German army, even if our fighters behave tough, they cannot stop Live the strong offensive of the Germans."

After hearing what I said, Zhukov looked at the roof with his eyes and tapped his fingers gently on the table, as if he was digesting what I said. After a while, his fingers stopped, frowned, looked at me with a piercing look, and asked displeasedly: "Lida, according to you, we can only watch the Germans seize May. Shikova River position, and there is no way to stop them?"

The serious expression on Zhukov’s face made me nervous for the first time. I replied a little nervously, "Yes...that’s it, Comrade General. As far as I know, let alone the 64th Army, even if our front army is in technical equipment. Above, we are also at a disadvantage compared with the German army. In order to reverse this unfavorable situation, we can only use offensives in other places to divert the German army’s attention, distract their forces, and reduce the frontal pressure on our defense forces. "After speaking these words in one breath, I felt the cold sweat soaked the back of my military uniform.

After Krylov and Kirilov heard what I said, no one expressed their opinions unexpectedly, but turned their eyes to Zhukov, wanting to see how he reacted.

Zhukov didn't stand up or change his posture, just frowning and thinking.

Seeing Zhukov sinking into thought, he did not respond for a long time. Krylov next to him couldn't help but whispered his name: "Georgi Konstantinovich, what are you thinking?"

Zhukov woke up suddenly, and sat down in a relatively comfortable position. Then he said to several of us: "Under the current situation. I will not hide it from you. According to the information obtained by the command. Hitler's command was on August 27 and 28 against the German troops attacking Stalingrad. They were redeployed. They ordered the right-wing troops to move to the left, or more precisely, to the Abuganerovo and Kapudinsky areas in the middle of the front. The German tanks were transferred to the 14th and 14th. The 24th Division, the 60th Motorized Infantry Division, and the Romanian Infantry 6th and 20th Divisions. The task of these units was to carry out assaults on the Zeta and Nariman areas, passing through these two villages and Paulus’s No. The 6th Army merged. Encircled the two divisions of the 62nd Army and the 64th Army in the area...."

Zhukov’s words made all of us take a breath. If these troops were really surrounded by the Germans, then the Battle of Stalingrad would not have to go on. You must know that in the later period, the 62nd Army was holding on to the north of the city. The main force.

Fortunately, Zhukov's next words let us breathe a sigh of relief: "...After receiving the above information, the high command promptly issued an alarm to the front army, so Stalingrad front army commander Yelyomenko immediately ordered the 62nd and 64th The group army may be encircled. It quickly withdrew to the new defense area." When Zhukov said this, I was thinking to myself. No wonder that the main force of the group army had to withdraw some time ago. It is estimated that Shumilov and Cuikov were aware of the German intentions long before the high command discovered the German intentions, so they ordered the main forces to withdraw in time.

At this time, there was a voice calling for a report from the door. Before I could speak, Zhukov raised his voice and shouted at the door: "Come in!"

The soldier who walked in was not my subordinate, but a lieutenant colonel, who appeared to be a subordinate brought by Zhukov from Moscow. He strode to Zhukov, raised his hand to salute, and pulled out a folder under his arm. After opening it, he handed a piece of paper to Zhukov, which looked like he had just received the battle report.

After Zhukov received the report in his hand, he waved to the lieutenant colonel, the lieutenant colonel put the folder under his arm again, raised his hand to salute, and turned away.

After reading the report in his hand, Zhukov put it on the table with a slight smile on his face. He said to us: "Comrades, I have good news for you. It is under the unified command of Colonel Gorokhov and the infantry The Stalingrad Front’s "Northern Troops" composed of the independent 124th and 149th brigade carried out a fierce counter-attack against the Germans this morning. Due to the brave and tenacious fighting of our troops, the German troops north of Stalingrad led the main attack. The troops suffered heavy casualties. Although our army’s counterattack was finally suppressed by the Germans, they also lost the ability to continue to attack Stalingrad in a short period of time, so as to help our army assemble in Stalingrad. The necessary defensive forces have won precious time."

Krylov picked up the report on the table, glanced at it, and said excitedly: "Yes, because our army's tenacious attack forced the enemy to disperse its forces on a wide front, it weakened the enemy's direct confrontation. The possible fierce offensive by Stalingrad."

"Colonel Oshanina." Zhukov waited for Krylov to finish, and suddenly he called me, not by my nickname as usual, but by my last name. I heard him call it this way, knowing that there must be an important task, and quickly got up from my seat and replied loudly: "Here!"

"In two days, your troops will be placed under the command of the 62nd Army. I hope that before your independent division leaves, I can carry out a counter-assault against the 4th Army of the Hot Tank on the south side of Stalingrad and lose them. The ability to advance to the Stalingrad city in a short period of time. Can you do it?"

The counterattack against Hote’s 4th Army of Tanks made me dumbfounded as soon as I heard this order. If I didn’t replenish artillery, tanks, and provide air support, it would be no different from sending me to death.

Seeing that I didn't answer decisively, Zhukov was a little upset. He raised his voice and asked: "Colonel Oshanina, what's the matter with you? Are you deaf or dumb? Why don't you answer me?"

"Comrade General, I can't answer you accurately." I replied hesitantly. As soon as I said the words, I realized that I answered very badly, but I can only bite the bullet and say, "My independent division is poorly equipped. , The combat effectiveness is not strong. If the artillery and armor cannot be supplemented by the necessary air support, then the counterattack against the 4th Army of German Tanks will not succeed."

Zhukov snorted heavily. Said dissatisfiedly: "If I can provide you with all this you need, do you think I still need to send your independent division to complete this task? You have two divisions of the 64th Army on the right and the first division on the left. The 57th Group Army, if any division is transferred out, can successfully complete this task."

Zhukov's words left me speechless. I didn't know how to answer his words, and I didn't dare to promise him casually, so I had to bow my head. Staring at the map on the table in a daze.

Zhukov waited for a while, saw that I was silent, sighed, walked to my side, patted my shoulder gently, and said kindly: "Lida, I have always trusted you so much, that's why I have been so arduous. The glorious task is entrusted to you."

Hearing what he said, I almost jumped up to retort him: Everyone knows that this kind of death mission is quite difficult. If our army is wiped out, no matter how much honor is given to us. What's the use? But in the face of such a kind elder Zhukov, I can only hide these words in my heart without saying them.

Seeing that I was silent, he persuaded: "I know that this task is a lifelong task for your independent teacher...." Hearing this, I secretly said in my heart, since you know it is a lifelong task. , Then what is left to us.

"I only give you the task of counterattack. As for how to fight, it's all up to you, and no one will interfere with your decision-making. I would like to remind you at the end that time is running out. Before your division moves, The counterattack operations against the 4th Army of Tanks must be completed."

Zhukov’s words have already spoken of this point. I have no possibility of rejecting it at all, so I can only bite the bullet and agree: "Yes, Comrade General, I will definitely implement Hotter’s 4th Tank Army within the stipulated time limit. Counter assault."

Hearing my statement, Zhukov’s face showed a smile again. He patted me on my shoulder and said cordially: "Lida, I knew you would say that. This task is handed over to other troops. I'm really not at ease, but if you leave it to you, with your ability, I believe it will be successfully completed."

Although my heart was bleeding, I still wanted to force a smile on the surface. After all, if Zhukov appeared in time, I would bring the joint investigation team back to Stalingrad for trial. For a country like Lao Maozi where there is no reason to say, for the sacrifice of dozens of fighters, the commander of a main division must be arrested and questioned; if I directly reject Zhukov’s order, I may not have to go to a military court for trial , He can take my life directly.

I tried my best to squeeze a smile on my face and said to Zhukov: "Comrade General, please rest assured that I will do my best to teach Hult and his men a good lesson so that they will have no strength. In the short term Inside attacked Stalingrad city."

"Good job," Zhukov praised me, then raised his hand to look at his watch, and asked strangely: "Lida, what's the matter with that second lieutenant of your communications, who has been away for almost half an hour, UU Reading www.uukanshu.com hasn’t brought us lunch yet?"

Hearing what he said, I smiled embarrassedly, and said quickly: "Comrade General, please wait a moment, I will go to the cooking class to see what's going on in person, and bring lunch to you as soon as possible."

Without waiting for me to go out, Razumeyeva and the two fighters, who had been overdue, ran into the headquarters with a plate. Razumeyeva saw me and said embarrassedly: "I'm sorry, comrade teacher, the cooking class did not know that there was a big man, so the food prepared was relatively simple, and I asked them to cook it again after I went."

Just as we were sitting at the table, preparing to enjoy a sumptuous lunch, the lieutenant colonel under Zhukov came in again and sent another copy of the latest battle report.

After reading the battle report, Zhukov slapped the knife and fork on the table heavily, and after looking at us in amazement, he said with a heavy tone: "The Meshkova River has been lost. The 126th Infantry Division that is holding on to the area, Under the German three-dimensional offensive, despite the tenacious battle, it still failed to stop the Germans. Now the troops with heavy casualties have retreated to the rear." (To be continued...)

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