Burning Moscow

While waiting for the line to be repaired, the phone on the table kept ringing. It turned out that the heads of the regiments were all alerted by the sound of the artillery, and they called me to ask me about the task.

The other commanders were fine, but when Godunov, the leader of the three regiments, called, I was surprised because I always thought he and Captain Horusov were on the 107.5 heights. Unexpectedly, he went back to the residential area without asking for instructions.

After listening to him report his position, I asked him angrily: "Captain Godunov, can you explain to me why you did not stay on the high ground with Captain Khorushov, but went back to the residents privately. point?"

Godunov heard me angry and replied in a panic: "Report to comrade commander, the reason why I returned to the residential area is to gather the troops and then take them to the new station overnight."

Although his reasons are quite good, I still put him down, and finally said: "Well, Comrade Godunov, since you have assembled the three groups, then take them to New Zealand as soon as possible. If the high ground is tight, immediately send troops to support it."

Since the third regiment was about to open, the vacated positions could only be filled by the fourth regiment, so I called the fourth regiment commander Gaidar and told him bluntly: "Lieutenant Colonel Gaidar, I will inform you. One thing about you, the three regiments are about to move defenses. You immediately send troops to take over for defense in the defense zones that they vacated."

As soon as I put down the phone, Kirilov took a telegraph and walked up from the radio operator Nadya with a face of displeasure, and said to me solemnly: "Look, comrade commander, this is the group army. A telegram from the headquarters just now."

I took the telenewspaper and quickly browsed through the contents on it. He was so angry that he slapped the tele-paper on the table fiercely. Akhromeyev didn't know why Kirilov and I would react so drastically after reading the telegram, so they carefully took the telegram away from me.

While Akhromeyev was reading the telegram. I snorted heavily, and grumbled at Kirilov dissatisfiedly: "Comrade Political Commissar. What are you saying about this? Why did the group army command suddenly issue such an order: from now on, all divisions and divisions When contacting the command of the group army, the use of walkie-talkies is prohibited, and only telegrams or via wired telephones are allowed. Moreover, in the telegram, it is absolutely forbidden to ask for instructions and discuss the next combat action. Anyone who violates the above regulations will be dismissed. Send it to the military court."

Kirilov sat down at the table, lit a cigarette, and took a few puffs. Said thoughtfully: "Comrade Oshanina, I think the command of the Group Army suddenly issued such an inexplicable order. Perhaps it was not their original intention, but an order from a higher level."

"Order from the superior?" I asked tentatively, "Comrade political comrade, do you mean that this order was issued by the commander of the front army?"

Unexpectedly, Kirilov waved his hand directly and denied my guess: "I don’t think even the commander of the front army would suddenly give such a strange order. If I hadn’t guessed wrong, this order should be. It was issued by the Supreme Commander, and it may even have been instructed by the Supreme Commander himself."

"Comrade Political Commissar. You have worked in the Central Committee, can you guess the reason?"

"Maybe the Supreme Command is gathering new troops and preparing for a major counterattack. In order to prevent leaks and arouse the vigilance of the Germans, this order was issued." Kirillov analyzed me with a solemn expression.

Hearing Kirilov’s analysis, Akhromeev, who had just read the telegram, also asked with a serious expression: "Comrade political comrade, what about our walkie-talkie and the walkie-talkies equipped by the troops? Is it starting today? , And also forbid commanders and fighters to use this method of communication?"

I heard Akhromeyev’s question, and I stared at Kirilov nervously, waiting for his answer. Kirilov picked up the tele-paper and read it again, then pondered for a moment. Then he replied: "The telegram only stipulates that when the divisions are in contact with the command of the group army, they are not allowed to use the walkie-talkie for plain language calls. However, it does not prohibit the use of the internal divisions. My opinion is in the independent division. The original. The walkie talkie and the walkie talkie of the subordinate units are used as usual."

"I agree with the opinion of the political commissar." As soon as Kirilov finished speaking, I expressed my support in time.

Seeing that Kirilov and I agreed, Akhromeyev also nodded and said firmly: "I have no disagreement, so I will act according to the proposal of the political comrade."

The call from Captain Khorushov finally came in again. I raised my hand and looked at my watch. It was far beyond the quarter of an hour that Razumeyeva had promised. But this is not the time to pursue responsibility. After hearing Khorushov’s voice in the headset, I immediately asked, "Comrade Captain, how is the situation on your side?"

"Reporter Commander," Khorushov's voice came from the earphones. "The German shelling has weakened. The observation post on the hillside reported that a large number of German infantry could be vaguely seen in the distance, under the cover of tanks. Pounce on the high ground."

I listened to the rumble of cannons coming from outside, and then asked: "Captain Horusov, I heard the artillery fire outside is still fierce. Where are the Germans shelling?"

"Our high ground has only received sporadic shelling. I have ordered a company of troops to take positions. At this moment, the enemy’s main artillery fire is focused on bombarding the open space between here and you. It may be for fear of sending reinforcements from you. Right."

"Keep in touch and remember, your task is to nail the position like a nail, and you are not allowed to retreat." Although I don't want to fight a positional battle with the Germans, in this situation, I can only Give Khorushov the command to guard.

Akhromeyev saw me put down the phone and nervously suggested to me: "Comrade commander, we can't just watch the Germans attack Captain Khorushov. We have to think of some way to help them.... "

Before he finished speaking, I stopped him anxiously; "Comrade Chief of Staff, don't you see the German artillery fire outside? No matter how many troops are sent to reinforcements at this time, it will only be for nothing. I am killed. I don't want to sacrifice all the elite troops of the Independent Division under the gunfire of the Germans."

"I don't know what happened to Morozov and their'flying cannons'?" Kirilov said to himself next to him: "If the Germans are attacking. A hard hit from the side may be able to relieve Horu. Schof and their defensive pressure."

Kirilov’s words gave me a wake-up call, and I quickly asked Akhromeyev to call Morozov. Let him come to the headquarters to see me immediately. I want to learn more about the progress of their development of the flying thunder gun. Although this weapon has a short range. But to deal with the German tanks and infantry, it is a rare big killer.

Morozov, who received the order, appeared in front of us a few minutes later. From the smile that couldn't be concealed on his face, I suddenly sighed with relief. It seemed that this artillery battalion commander was really not easy. He had built the flying thunder cannon in such a short time. I suppressed the joy in my heart and tried to ask in a calm tone: "Captain Morozov, how is the situation? How is the'flying cannon' developed?"

Morozov watched our division leaders staring at him intently. He couldn't help but calmed down and reported to us: "Report to the division commander, political commissar, and chief of staff. According to the division commander's ideas, we tinkered for several hours and finally succeeded in making this'flying thunder cannon'. It was tested at night. In order to avoid panic, the dynamite bag used for throwing was not gunpowder but soil. We tested it five times. The distance of the dynamite bag was different each time, and the drop point was from 100 It can be anywhere from 300 meters to 300 meters."

"Can you go into actual combat immediately?" Kirilov asked nervously.

Morozov nodded vigorously. He gave Kirilov a positive answer: "No problem. We made eight launch tubes and fifty explosive packs. If they are put into battle, they can cause heavy damage to the German infantry."

"Very well, Comrade Captain. Good job." Kirilov patted Morozov on the shoulder excitedly, and even claimed to praise him. Then he told him: "Comrade Captain, I now give you a task. The German army is attacking the 107.5 heights guarded by Captain Khorushov. You immediately brought these'flying cannons' with you, and you just went to support them as much as possible. Destroy the enemy more."

Hearing that Kirilov passed over me and Akhromeyev to give orders directly, he could not help but frowned slightly, and muttered to himself: I am just such a capable artillery commander. But you didn't even discuss it with me, and you directly ordered him to perform such a dangerous task. If he hangs up, where can I find a suitable artillery commander to command the artillery? Thought of this. I asked Morozov before he left in a salute: "Comrade Captain, how long will it take for the Thunder Cannon to go into battle?"

Morozov listened to my question, held his fingers for a while and then replied: "Report to the teacher, it will take an hour at the earliest."

"Why does it take such a long time?" Kirilov asked dissatisfiedly.

"Because our experiments are all in the empty space of the bombed oil storage tank, which is a bit far away. Besides, there are so many big and heavy explosive bags to be moved over, it will take some time."

"Okay, Captain Morozov." I rushed ahead of Kirilov this time and gave an order to Morozov: "You immediately organize personnel to move all the explosive kits over, and prepare for battle at the same time. As for you, still If you have more important things to do, you won’t take part in this battle yourself, and find someone else to take your command."

After Morozov left, Kirilov asked incomprehensibly: "Comrade commander, this'flying thunder cannon' was developed by Morozov, and let him lead people to use it on the battlefield. Isn't that familiar? Why are you? Suddenly announced that someone else was going to command this battle?"

I don’t want to turn my face with Kirilov on the issue of personnel use. I can only say tactfully: “My comrade political comrade, this kind of battle requires only a company commander or even a platoon commander to complete the task. Is it a bit fussy to send a battalion commander?"

"But..." The phone on the desk rang again before Kirilov had finished saying what he was talking about.

Khorushov’s voice came from the headset. I also heard explosions and intense gunfire. He reported to me loudly: "Comrade commander, the German infantry is under the cover of tank fire. We rushed to the high ground. Our troops are fighting the enemy at the position on the top of the hillside. Because the company that was sent first suffered heavy casualties, I just sent a company of the third regiment."

"Captain Horusov, don’t worry," I felt a little flustered in his voice, and I comforted him: "San Regiment has already set off from the residential area. You are ready to rush to the residential area behind your high ground. You can face the high ground at any time. Provide support. Your task now is to guard at all costs..." As soon as I was halfway through my words, the headset suddenly stopped making a sound. I raised my voice and shouted, "Hey, hello. Captain Horusov, can you hear me? Can you hear me?"

Razumeyeva, who had been yelling hoarse, came over and reminded me with a blushing face: "Comrade Commander, the telephone line may have been blown up again. I will immediately send a lineman to check the line." , Trot out of the headquarters.

I was so angry that I threw the phone on the table. Angrily said: "It's a hell, the German cannonball has eyes? How long did it take to blow up our telephone line twice."

"This German came so fast!" Akhromeyev said to himself: "I just heard Captain Khorushov's report that the German ground troops were found in the distance. In just a few minutes, they were Reached the foot of the high ground and launched an attack on the high ground."

"It's nothing strange." I looked up at him and said, "The German infantry might be riding a truck, following the tank, and rushing to the high ground. When they reached the foot of the high ground, the infantry got out of the car and charged."

Contact with high ground. It recovered again after twenty minutes. As soon as the call was connected, Khorushov couldn't wait to report to me: "Report to the comrade commander, the German attack. We repelled it five minutes ago."

"Hurry up to repair the fortifications, treat the wounded, and prepare for the next round of the German offensive."

As soon as I finished speaking, I heard another person's voice in the earphones: "Report Comrade Battalion Commander that the Germans are attacking again, and their skirmish lines are coming towards our position."

I heard Khorushov telling the person who reported: "I see, you go back and tell you the company commander to bring the enemy closer before hitting it, so that the German tanks at the foot of the mountain can throw rodents. I don't dare to open guns at will." He reported to me in a low tone: "Comrade Commander, the Germans have begun to attack us again."

"Resolutely block them. They must not be allowed to occupy the high ground, otherwise the troops in Mamayevgang will be in danger of being encircled."

"Yes, resolutely block them, and never let them go..." Before Horusov spoke, the phone was interrupted again.

I threw the phone on the table and said sharply to Razumeyeva who was standing next to Nadya: "Comrade Lieutenant, what are you doing here? Didn't you hear that the phone line was interrupted by German gunfire again? Isn’t it? Hurry up and send a lineman to check the line."

Razumeyeva didn't speak, turned and ran out of the headquarters. In less than a minute, she came back dingy again, followed by a female soldier. She walked in front of me and said with ashamed expression: "Reporter, the linemen in the company have been sent out, and there is no lineman, and no one can be sent to restore the communication line that was blown up. Up."

At this time, the female soldier standing behind Razumeyeva stepped forward and reported loudly: "Comrade Commander, please allow me to go."

When I looked at this volunteer female soldier, I found that it was the faint female guard Wonia. Since she was assigned to the communications company, she has not paid attention to her again. Unexpectedly, at such a moment, she actually stood up bravely.

"No, Vonia." Lazumeeva rushed in front of me to deny her request, and gave her reasons: "You have just arrived in the communication company, and you are not even familiar with these businesses."

"Allow me to go, anyway, it's useless if I stay in the communication room."

"But the enemy's artillery fire was too fierce, otherwise it would be impossible to blow up the telephone line three times in such a short period of time. I don't think you can even reach the point of disconnection."

"I can, Comrade Lieutenant, as long as you allow me to go, I promise to complete the task." Wonia insisted on her opinion stubbornly.

Razumeyeva knew that Vonia used to be my guard, so she didn't dare to take the initiative, so she could only turn her eyes on me for help. I looked at Razumeyeva, then at Vanya, nodded slowly, and agreed to let Wonia perform the dangerous task of checking the line.

Seeing that I acquiesced to her request, Vonia's face showed a smile, she stretched out her hand and squeezed Razumeyeva's shoulder, walked over to Nadya who was sitting in front of the radio, and also stretched out her hand to squeeze. Squeezing her shoulder, without even paying respect to us, she ran out of the headquarters quickly.

With Vonia's departure, Razumeyeva, who had always been strong in my impression, suddenly wiped her tears. Whether it was her, even Najia was also wiping tears. The behavior of the two confused me. I walked over, held out Razumeyeva’s face with my hands, wiped the tears from her cheeks with my fingers, and asked nervously: "Lieutenant Razumeeva, come out What happened?"

Unexpectedly, Razumeyeva was sobbing and unable to speak. A long sigh came from behind me, and then I heard Kirilov say regretfully: "Comrade Commander, don’t you know? Before leaving, pinch The shoulders of friends mean farewell, which means that this separation may be a farewell."

Kirilov’s explanation made me understand why Razumeyeva and Nadya would behave so badly after Vonia left. Unexpectedly, I have been transformed into Lida for so long, and there are still many customs that I don’t understand. Fortunately, the question just now did not arouse everyone's suspicion. Otherwise, I would really not explain it clearly. I looked at Razumeyeva, who was crying in front of me, and quickly comforted her: "Comrade Lieutenant, don't cry anymore. The Voniyaji people have their own eyes, and she will definitely come back safely.

Before Razumeyeva’s cries stopped, Morozov ran in from outside, saluted me and reported: "Report to the commander, political commissar, our flying thunder cannon has been transported to the foot of the mountain, so we can set off. Do you have any instructions?"

As soon as I heard that the flying thunder cannon was at the foot of the hillside, I was energized. I didn't care about Razumeeva and Nadya, who were still wiping their tears, and turned around and ran out of the headquarters. Run down the mountain along the trenches outside. In panic, Kirilov and Akhromeyev also trot out of the headquarters, followed me, and ran down the hillside.

Unexpectedly, when I ran down the hillside, I saw four trucks parked here. There were more than 20 soldiers standing beside them. When I saw a group of us rushing over, they hurriedly stood up straight and saluted us.

I turned my head and asked Morozov, who was behind me: "Comrade Captain, where is the thunder cannon?"

Morozov pointed to the car and said: "It's right in the car. There are two flying thunder cannons in each car, and there are twelve explosive packs outside."

Before I could express my opinion, Kirilov next to him asked first: "Comrade Captain, you won't let your soldiers drive a truck and rush to bombard the Germans with flying thunders?"

"That's it, Comrade Political Commissar." Morozov replied politely: "If I let the soldiers run over on foot carrying thunder cannons and explosive bags, at least seventy or eighty people will be needed, and a lot of time will be wasted. ~www.wuxiaspot.com~ And the use of trucks to carry flying thunder cannons can shorten the time. Our soldiers can rush to the vicinity of the Germans in the shortest time, and there will be a violent bombardment at them. After the fight, ours Soldiers can also withdraw from the battlefield quickly."

"If you shoot directly in the carriage, how are these flying thunder cannons fixed?" I asked worriedly.

Morozov replied confidently: "Please rest assured, we have found a lot of tripods in the warehouse near the abandoned oil storage tanks, which can be used to fix the flying thunder cannon."

"Comrade Oshanina, do you think this is appropriate? Isn't it a bit too dangerous to do this? Do we take a safe approach and take more soldiers to help them carry these flying thunder cannons?" Kirilov finished listening Morozov's words were still not at ease, and he cautiously suggested to me.

I thought about it, waved my hand at Kirilov, and said, "Comrade Political Commissar, don't worry. Captain Morozov is an expert in this area. If he said yes, then there must be no problem." At this point, I turned my head and said. Morozov said, "Comrade Captain, since you have already figured out what to do, then act now."

Morozov agreed, and then shouted to the soldiers standing next to the car: "Listen to my command, all get in the car!" (to be continued)