Burning Moscow

The sudden bad news shocked me in a cold sweat. I hurriedly shouted into the microphone: "Hey, hello, Major Pugachev, can you hear me? Hey, hello, can you hear me? ?"

Before receiving a report from his subordinates, Pugachev was talking to Akhromeyev, but suddenly the person who was speaking was replaced by me. He became flustered and said in a speechless voice: "Report, report. , Teacher, teacher..."

"Major Pugachev, I'll ask you." Before he could speak, I yelled at him: "What do the commanders in the field do, and they watched a group of their own subordinates defecting? ?"

"Master, it's all my fault, I will find a way to deal with it."

I was about to ask him what he was going to do with this matter. I suddenly felt my hands loose. Then the microphone was snatched by the angry Kirilov. He said coldly into the microphone, "Major Pugachev, I’m Kirilov, the political commissar of the division. I now order you to immediately shoot the platoon leader of the deserter’s platoon and the company commander instructor on the spot."

Kirilov jumped over the direct order and shocked me. The punishment for sitting is too unexpected. Before I could speak, I heard Pugachev explain to Kirilov on the phone: "The company commander and platoon commander are all from the ensign training team; and the instructor comes with you from the political department of the group army. Did they just take office? How long does it take to control the troops? This accident has little to do with them."

"I don't care whether these company platoon leaders and instructors are from the ensign training team or the political department of the group army. Since such a crime has occurred, they can hardly shirk the blame," Kirilov involuntarily issued a statement to Pugachev. Order. When Akhromeyev on the opposite side heard that the company's platoon leader who was about to be shot was his former subordinate, his cheeks flushed and the corners of his mouth twitched. Kirilov only heard another order: "Major. You can't be merciful at this time. Implement it now!"

When Kirilov hung up, Akhromeyev and I were still in shock. First, I did not expect that the soldiers would defect; second, I did not expect Kirilov to pass me. Give such a severe order below.

Seeing that both Akhromeyev and I were dissatisfied, Kirilov sighed and said to us: "Teacher, Chief of Staff, I know, both of you feel that I have done too much. A few soldiers defected, even if it was caused by the company's platoon leader's lax restraint, at most they would be dismissed from their posts. Why would it be necessary to be shot so severely?"

I listened to him. Instinctively nodded, confirming his analysis.

He went on to say: "Comrade commander, I am thinking about it for you. Think about it, the surface positions in the northern highlands were completely occupied by the Germans, and the defenders in the southern highlands unexpectedly defected again. If military discipline is not serious and several responsible persons are severely punished and killed, then other commanders will still not pay attention to the control of the troops. In the next battle, similar defection incidents are estimated to be unavoidable. You know, because of the current situation. The high ground is lost, and your superiors are already very dissatisfied with you. If this defection is stabbed up again, then you are likely to be dismissed and investigated immediately...."

Before he could finish speaking, I waved my hand, interrupted what was behind him, and said gratefully: "Needless to say, comrade political comrade, you are right. For large corps combat, military discipline must first be strict. For such sudden emergencies Evil *piece. Absolutely not tolerate accommodation." At this point, I suddenly turned the topic to the counterattack after dark. "If the enemy's troops stay in the valley forever, it will be a trouble for us to counterattack at night. As long as we exchange fire with them, it will alarm the enemy on the top of the hillside, so that the sneak attack of the 2nd regiment and 1st battalion will become a strong attack. The casualties are definitely not small."

"Comrade Commander, I thought about it this way." In just a few minutes, Akhromeyev's expression also recovered, and he faithfully performed his duties as Chief of Staff and introduced us to his vision: "For the counterattack at night, we still follow the original combat plan. As for the German troops in the ravine, it is not difficult to solve it. Before the first battalion attacked, it used flying thunder cannons to attack the German troops stationed in the ravine. The bombardment attracted the attention of the German troops on the top of the mountain. At this time, the second battalion quietly passed from the east side of the high ground and set up flying thunder cannons away from the oil storage tank to bombard the German troops on the top of the hillside. When the German army was stunned by the second battalion’s flying thunder artillery, they wiped out the first battalion of the German army in the ravine, and then launched a counterattack to the high ground, which will surely achieve a multiplier effect."

After listening, Kirilov stared at the map for a while, then nodded and said approvingly: "The chief of staff has a good idea. With this style of play, I think it won't be a problem to regain the position." , He looked up at me, "Comrade Commander, what do you think?"

"The Chief of Staff's plan is good, let's do it this way." I think Akhromeyev's combat plan has been well considered, so I nodded in agreement without hesitation.

After listening to the statements of the two of us, Akhromeyev quickly picked up the phone on the table and asked for advice: "Comrade commander, do you need me to convey the combat order to Major Pugachev now?"

"Yes. After sending the order, I will pick up Morozov from the Artillery Battalion. I have something to tell him."

When Akhromeyev gave Pugachev orders over the phone, Kirilov couldn’t help but ask me curiously: “Comrade Oshanina, the artillery battalion has limited manpower, and each of our infantry regiments has There are commanders and fighters who use flying thunder cannons, don't you need to ask them to help?"

"That's it, Comrade Political Commissar," I quickly explained to Kirilov, seeing that Kirilov was thinking about it wrongly, "There are people in all regiments who use flying thunder cannons. I know this very well. The reason why I want to talk to Major Morozov , Because although the flying thunder cannon is powerful, its accuracy is too poor. I am worried that after those rounds of bombardment, there will still be German firepower points on the high ground that will survive and cause heavy casualties to our counterattack forces, so I plan to deploy mortars. The artillery company followed up in time, and once found those resurrected firepower points, they would be killed cleanly."

After listening to my explanation, Kirilov suddenly realized, "Oh, it turned out to be like this. Although we used flying thunder cannons to cover the positions on the top of the hillside with firepower, many firepower points will surely survive. . In that way. Even with the cooperation of Sergeikov’s tunnel troops, our counterattack forces will have to pay heavy casualties. Let the mortar company follow the infantry attack to destroy the surviving firepower points in time. Not bad. Yes, you are very considerate."

Kirilov just finished complimenting me. Akhromeyev called me over there: "Division commander, I have connected with the artillery battalion. Battalion commander Major Morozov is online, waiting for your order."

I walked over and answered the phone, and said into the microphone, "Hey, Major Morozov, I have a combat mission for you."

"Comrade Commander, I am waiting for your order. Please give it."

"After dark, we will carry out a counterattack on the northern highlands. Before the attack, the counterattack troops will bombard the German troops on the ravine and the top of the hill with flying thunder cannons. When the bombardment is over and the infantry launches an offensive, you must promptly Send a mortar company to follow the troops to attack the high ground."

"Understood!" Morozov replied very simply.

I just put down the phone, before removing my hand from the microphone, the phone rang again. I thought Morozov had anything else to ask, so I picked up the phone. He asked casually: "Major, do you have any questions you haven't figured out?"

"What major? I'm General Krylov." Unexpectedly, the voice of Chief of Staff Krylov came out of the receiver. He asked dissatisfiedly: "What's the matter with your phone? I called. Can't get in for a long time?"

I straightened up and reported to him: "Comrade Chief of Staff, please forgive me. Before you call, I am giving the troops a counterattack order."

"Has the highlands been taken back?" Krylov asked straightforwardly without talking nonsense with me.

"not yet."

"What, haven't you?" Krylov screamed again on the phone: "How long has it been since I gave you the order to counterattack, and you haven't taken the position back from the Germans? What if you missed it? Don’t blame me for being impolite to you if you get the fighter plane."

Hearing Krylov's anger, I smiled bitterly. Euphemistically said: "Comrade Chief of Staff, the situation is not what you think. After the enemy occupied the surface position on the northern highlands. The second regiment's position on the mountainside was blocked with a machine gun, and the enemy also had strong artillery support. If we launch a counterattack at this time, there is a danger of the entire army being wiped out."

"Colon Oshanina, I remind you that even if the independent teachers are all dead, Mamayev Gang will definitely not fall into the hands of the Germans. Do you understand?"

"I understand very well, Comrade Chief of Staff." Although I heard that he was angry, I don't think I would organize a suicidal counterattack against the northern highlands at this time. If you really do this, suicide may have been achieved, but the counterattack has no effect at all, so I tried to convince him: "I also know that Mamayev Gang cannot fall into the hands of the enemy, so I formulated A detailed counterattack plan is prepared. When the enemy's tanks and artillery are not used for much purpose after dark, we will carry out a counterattack and try to seize the position from the enemy in one fell swoop."

After listening to my explanation, Krylov's tone suddenly eased: "Well, since you plan to fight back after dark, I will give you a few more hours. But my ugly words are ahead, if it's dawn. In the past, if you couldn't get back your position, you just waited to go to the military court."

"Thank you, thank you Chief of Staff." Although Krylov threatened me with a military court again, I thanked him, after all, he gave me a few more hours. I heard the rumble of artillery from outside, and couldn't help but care about the fighting in other areas: "By the way, Comrade Chief of Staff, I want to ask how the friendly forces are? For example, the 42nd Guards Regiment."

Krylov snorted and said angrily: "The situation is very bad. The 107.5 heights held by the 42nd Guards Regiment have been captured by the Germans. The two counterattacks organized by the Regiment were also repelled by the Germans. Now they have retreated into the city. Right now the enemy and us are fighting fiercely on the Soviet Street, fighting from house to house." At this point, he paused for a moment, then slowed down and said to me: "Colonel Oshanina In your words, you are a gate that blocked the Germans from rushing into the city. If you can't block them and let them rush into the city with a big swing, then Stalingrad is in danger."

Kirilov and Akhromeyev also heard the conversation between me and Krylov. Before I put down the phone, the two of them checked on the map which direction the enemy might attack after breaking through the 42nd Guards Regiment.

Seeing that their brows were frowning together. I smiled and comforted them and said: "Political commissar and chief of staff, don't worry, even if the German army occupy the dormitory area behind the 107.5 plateau. But it is not easy for them to copy us from the future. Did you forget. We are behind. There are also the Fourth Regiment and the Fifth Regiment which are relatively complete, and there is also a well-equipped tank battalion. The Germans do not come, and if they have to break through, they will definitely meet in front of the Four and Five Regiments. "

My words immediately stretched the eyebrows of the two of them. As one of the highest commanders in the division, the two also understood that I was not talking nonsense. Even if there were German troops backing to the back of Mamayev Hill, the four regiments, under the cover of the tank battalion, would hit hard from their flanks. It can defeat or even wipe out this enemy.

It finally got dark, not only did Pugachev called me again and again, asking when to fight back, so as to wash away the humiliation of the second regiment due to the defections of the soldiers. But every time I answered the phone, I said briefly: "Wait!" Then I hung up.

Not only the commander below was flustered, but even Kirilov and Akhromeyev couldn't help it because they saw that I didn't express any opinions, and they couldn't push me to give orders. So the chief of staff circled the headquarters with his hands behind his back. The political commissars sat at the table and smoked the suffocating smoke one by one, and the good headquarters was smoked like a fire.

Time passed by in waiting. I raised my hand and looked at the watch. I saw that the hour hand had already pointed to ten o'clock. It is estimated that the enemy at this time was except for a few outposts. The rest slept in the trenches. I stood up abruptly and said to Akhromeyev who stopped and looked at me: "Comrade Chief of Staff, time is almost up. Order Major Pugachev to immediately let the first battalion and the second battalion enter the designated position and set up What a flying thunder cannon, half an hour later, it launched a sudden attack on the enemy."

Akhromeyev, who had already waited impatiently, said excitedly, and rushed to the phone to call Pugachev. While he was calling, I turned my head and joked next to Kirilov: "Okay, my good political commissar. Just stop smoking, don't you find that the room seems to be foggy. If so, You smoke for a while. I guess even at such a distance, I can't see your people clearly."

Kirilov heard my teasing. He smiled, quickly pinched the cigarette **** in his hand in the ashtray on the table, and said to himself: "I'm worried because you don't give orders to fight back."

Perhaps it was the effect of the order issued by Kirillov in the afternoon. The second regiment moved very quickly. After half an hour, there were waves of earth-shattering explosions outside the cave. Needless to say, it must be our flight. Thunder cannons are doing their best.

I hurriedly called Morozov from the artillery battalion and said to him: "Comrade Major, time is almost up, is your mortar company ready?" After hearing his affirmative answer, I continued: "As soon as our flying thunder cannons stop firing, they will attack immediately, follow behind the infantry, and use artillery to clear the firepower points that have not been completely destroyed, understand?"

"Understood." Morozov expressed his determination to me in a loud voice: "I promise to complete the task."

When I was on the phone with Morozov, Akhromeyev was also on the phone with a regiment leader Sergeikov. He said into the microphone: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, did you hear the explosion? The commanders and fighters of the regiment used flying thunder cannons to blow up the Germans. After the bombardment is over, the second regiment will launch counterattacks on the surface positions from both the south and east slopes. You prepare your subordinates to prepare for the attack. , To fight for the second regiment and unite with the outside and take back the position."

After Akhromeyev returned the headphones and microphone to Razumeyeva, he took a long sigh of relief and turned and walked towards us. At the same time, he said: "Teacher commander, political commissar, I have given the counterattack order to the regiment. Take it. What we can do next is to wait. I hope Major Pugachev and the others can bring us good news."

The earth-shattering explosions outside sounded every two or three minutes, and after the fifth time, there was no more explosions. Akhromeev, who had been listening to the noise outside, said nervously: "The flying thunder cannon has stopped firing, and it is time for our infantry to appear."

Perhaps because of nervousness, Kirilov unconsciously took another cigarette in his mouth~www.wuxiaspot.com~ and asked: "You said, if the second regiment counterattacks, how long will it take to regain the position? ."

I stretched out my hand and smoked his cigarette, and said unceremoniously: "Comrade Political Commissar, please stop smoking. Do you want to smoke everyone into pneumonia?"

Akhromeyev looked at us and smiled, and said: "Although we used flying thunder cannons to inflict heavy damage on the enemy, I estimate that even if it goes well, it will take an hour at the earliest to remove the position from the enemy’s Take it back."

After listening to Akhromeyev's speculation, Kirilov turned his head to look at me and asked noncommitantly: "Comrade Oshanina, what do you think?"

I thought for a while. Although we caught the enemy by surprise, we really wanted to take back the position. It might take an hour no matter what, so I rushed to Akhromeev Nunu and said, "I agree with the Chief of Staff. About an hour."

We were talking when the phone on the desk rang.

"Who will call at this time?" Akhromeyev said, reaching out his hand, grabbing the microphone, and putting it in his ear: "Hey, I'm Akhrom, chief of staff of the independent division. Mayev, where are you?" (to be continued)