Burning Moscow

After hearing what Ellenborg said, Kirilov smiled and said: "Old man, you don't need to say the rest. Based on what I know about Comrade Oshanina, she definitely didn't forgive you at the time. Don't If it was her, even if it was me, I would not forgive you. You must know that an excellent commander with a bright future, because of your irresponsible report, almost fell into prison, and no one can stand it. ."

After hearing the criticism from his old mate, Ehrenberg nodded repeatedly and said: "If Comrade Oshanina still refuses to forgive me, I am willing to apologize to her in public again." He stood up straight as he spoke. It seems ready to bow again and apologize to me.

He bowed and apologized to me twice in public. It is estimated that even Stalin himself had never enjoyed such a treatment. If he bowed and apologized to me three times in a row, and those with ulterior motives knew about it, and gave a small report to Stalin, I would not be able to eat it. So I hurriedly stood up, raised my hand to stop the movement behind him, and said in a relaxed tone: "Okay, okay, Comrade Ellenborg, this matter has been in the past for a long time, and I don’t care about it anymore, so You don’t have to apologize to me again."

As soon as I uttered my words, Fdowin, who was sitting next to Ellenborg, stood up and finished the game quickly: "Yes, Comrade Ellenborg, since Colonel Oshanina said so, don’t worry about the past. Besides, we went to the division’s headquarters today to interview, not to apologize."

Fodorvin’s words immediately freed us all from our embarrassment. I hurriedly followed his words and said: “Yes, Comrade Ellenborg. I heard that you were in Stalingrad all day today. Interview the commanders and fighters who are fighting stubbornly against the fascist invaders. Can you tell us your thoughts after the interview?"

What I said caught the attention of Ellenberg. He didn't insist on apologizing to me anymore. Instead, after sitting down with Fedowin, he took off his top hat and placed it on the table. He said with deep emotion: "I ran in the city for a day today. Although I didn't go to many places because of time. The officers and men interviewed were also very limited. But I have a feeling that the officers and men of the 62nd Army who stick to Stalingrad really It's not easy, they did a great job!"

"Old man, can you elaborate?" When Kirilov waited for Ehrenberg's speech to come to an end, he urged him quickly: "Don't mention Stalingrad, even on all the battlefields of the country, countless brave commanders and fighters In order to defend our great motherland, we are fighting stubbornly with the invaders armed to the teeth."

"Before I came to Stalingrad, I heard a time comment on British radio on the radio, which impressed me deeply: After the war began. Poland fell within 28 days, while the Germans could only occupy a few days in Stalingrad. A house; France fell in 38 days. The Germans could only occupy a few streets in Stalingrad in 38 days." Ellenborg said emotionally, "Through the conversation of the commanders, I know that although there are many enemies We rushed into the city, but our soldiers set up battlefields everywhere on the roof, stairs, fences, windowsills, and basements, fighting stubbornly against the enemy non-stop."

Hearing what Ellenborg said, although Kirilov did not make any comments, there was a happy smile on his face. Just listen to Ehrenberg continued: "The ones that impressed me the most were the'Red October' tractor factory and the'Barricade' factory. The enemy currently occupied more than half of the factory, but what are our comrades doing? Outside the plant, the commanders of the 39th Guards Division of our Guards were fighting fiercely with the enemy outside the plant; the workers were in the plant, using lathes and milling machines to repair broken guns and even some tanks that had malfunctioned. ."

When Ellenborg said this, Kirilov leaned close to my ear and said in a low voice: "The 70th Division of Colonel Lyudnikov’s guards has suffered heavy losses. Their current defensive positions have been withdrawn. We arrived at the dormitory area between the'barricade' factory and the Volga River."

I nodded silently. Judging by the loss of the Lyudnikov Division, even if I withdrew to the existing area, it would be very difficult to stop the enemy from rushing towards the Volga River.

I have to admit that Ehrenberg’s eloquence is very good. During the short period of time Kirilov spoke to me, he has already expressed a lot of his own opinions: "...According to what I learned in the command Judging from the situation, the headquarters has issued severe orders to require all commanders and political staff of their units to stay in front of the forward positions, bunkers, and trenches, to organize the units into combat formations, and fight until the last bullet.

Isn’t it necessary to talk about the role and significance of higher-level commanders and political workers talking with soldiers in the bunker and at the forward positions? From my personal experience, I know that you should talk to the soldiers in the bunker, share their pain, share their joys, or smoke a cigarette. Analyze the battle together; or come up with ideas about how to fight; that is, confidence will be established among the soldiers: ‘Since the commander is here, then, we should stick to this position stubbornly! In this way, the soldiers will never retreat until they receive an order from their superiors. They will fight the enemy to the last breath.

The important thing is to let all soldiers know that none of their achievements will be buried. In this case, you can be confident that they will complete any task. Although the troops suffered severe losses, the organization of the party and regiment was still developing and tempered to become stronger. Dozens, hundreds, or even hundreds of fighters submitted applications for joining the party on the line of fire. Everyone is eager to take part in the battle, and if necessary, they will dedicate themselves as heroes as members and members of the Communist Youth League. "

Having said this, he paused, looked at me, and then said with a smile: "Comrades, when it comes to this, I will inevitably mention Comrade Oshaninna. Whether it is in the 62nd or 64th Army , The superior commanders all agree that you are an excellent and brave commander, and often take the lead in fighting with the commanders on the front line. Here, I want to give you a suggestion. As a commander, you don’t need to be old. It is squatting in the front line bunker. Because your position should be in the command post. You should lead the entire battle process from there. Of course, I am not against you to go to the front. In special circumstances, being an excellent Commanders, when foreseeing that the battle is extremely critical, they should not stay away from the front, but should be as close to their fighters as possible. In this way, not only will the fighters not complain about you, on the contrary, they will cover you with their chests. They will Work hard to complete your task."

As soon as Ellenborg finished speaking, Kirilov immediately echoed him and said: "Old man, what you said is so right. Oshanina is a brave and excellent commander full of fighting passion, but she The disadvantage is just like what you just said. She always likes to run to the front, like a company commander or even a platoon commander, commanding troops. If she is just a company commander or platoon commander, this is undoubtedly commendable Yes. But as the leader of a division, she is dereliction of duty to leave her post. Not only is she not praised, but she should be criticized. You think so. My old buddy?"

Ehrenberg laughed a few times, without expressing his opinion. Instead, he changed the topic in time: "The reason why I took the initiative to ask your teacher to come for an interview this time is to apologize to Colonel Oshanina, and second, because of your outstanding achievements since the establishment of the teacher. The combat exploits are unmatched by other troops. If nothing else, let’s just talk about the Mamayev Hill you defended. The enemy has attacked here for more than a month, so your division’s battle flag is still on the ground. Flying high, I just want to know, how did you achieve such a brilliant record?"

For Ellenborg’s question, I actually already had the answer in my mind, but when I glanced at the city party committee propaganda minister sitting next to him, I hesitated again. After all, there are outsiders present, and many things are not so convenient to say. When I was hesitating, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind me: "Ooo, you guys are quite lively here."

I turned my head and saw that it was Cui Kefu who was standing at the door. He jumped up from his seat and greeted them. At the same time, I asked curiously: "Comrade Commander, why are you here?"

Cui Kefu didn't answer my question, but asked himself: "Mamayev Hill seems to be quiet these days, the enemy on the front hasn't launched any offensive against you?"

"That's it, Comrade Commander." Akhromeyev quickly took over the topic report and said: "Since the Germans were attacked by our night and shelling, they stopped their frontal assault on Mamayev Hill. But. Their long-range artillery still bombarded the Volga River shortly, and the plane flew over our high ground to bomb the pier in an attempt to cut our connection with the other side."

After shook hands with Ellenborg and Fedowin who came by, Cui Koff shook hands one by one, and said friendlyly: "Comrade Ellenborg, welcome you to Stalingrad. I'm sorry, I was not able to greet you when you came. Please forgive me!” Then when he shook hands with Kirilov, he went on to say, “I received a call from Comrade Gurov from the front army headquarters saying that he will cross the river and return to Stalingrad tonight. So I will come to you and wait for him to return."

When Trikov sat down at the table, Basmanov and Razumeyeva were obviously unsuitable to sit down, so they reluctantly returned to their respective positions. After Cui Koff waited for us to sit down, he asked Ellenborg with interest: "Comrade Ellenborg, what were you talking about before I came?"

"That's it, Comrade Commander." After taking a look at me, Ellenborg smiled and said to Cui Koff: "I want to interview Colonel Oshanina to find out how the teacher got such a brilliant result? But from her Judging from her expression, she seems to have some worries and she has not accepted my interview for a long time.

Hearing what Ellenberg said, Cui Koff turned his gaze to me and asked strangely: "Oshanina, why don't you accept the interview with Comrade Ellenborg? Do you have any concerns?"

I smiled bitterly and said, "Comrade Commander, there are a lot of military secrets involved. Is it appropriate to say here?" After I finished speaking, my eyes fell unconsciously on Fudowin sitting next to Ellenborg. I can't do anything. Clear his history, so I dare not say something casually,

Unexpectedly, Cui Kefu waved his big hand and said carelessly: "Comrade Oshanina, you can say whatever you think of, don't worry. There are no outsiders here, and even if you make a mistake, no one will blame you."

With Cui Kefu’s permission, I gained a lot of confidence. After sorting out my thoughts, I began to speak formally: "As we all know, the division has not been formed for a long time. Almost all the soldiers come from the Gulag concentration camp. Commanders at all levels come from the army Speaking of equipment. Of course, it’s very poor. Although the group army headquarters has added a batch for us, most of the commanders and fighters are bare-handed. The equipment of the unit, except for a small part of the rationing from the superior, the division The guns, artillery, and even tanks used by the commanders and fighters were captured from the enemy's hands."

When I said this, Cui Kefu intervened: "In fact, when we formed a division, the purpose was to build a large number of logistics units. Since it is a non-main force logistics unit, the distribution of their weapons is certain. It can’t be compared with other troops. It’s just that I didn’t expect this troop, under the command of Comrade Oshanina, to become such a strong combat force.” At this point, he made a gesture at me. , Motioned me to continue.

I settled down, and then said: "I have weapons, but how should I fight the next battle? This question made me ponder for a long time. After my deliberation, I think that in the cruel battle of Stalingrad, our division should not think about it. If they are eliminated by the enemy, they must adopt a very different style of play from other troops. Avoid the attrition wars with small casualties and small results, and targeted fights that involve more casualties, small captures, and large results."

I saw Ehrenberg scribbled in his notebook. Fearing that he could not keep up with my speaking speed, he deliberately slowed down. Unexpectedly, he would notice it immediately. He immediately raised his head and said to me: "Colonel Oshanina, please speak at your usual speed. I remember to come over."

I nodded and said in accordance with my own thinking: "I know very well that my subordinates lack sufficient training and have no combat experience. The quality of individual soldiers is obviously at a disadvantage compared with the enemy. In addition, our army is on the battlefield. Without air supremacy, even the number of artillery is not the same as the locals, if you unwisely use the usual crowded tactics to attack an enemy with firepower superiority, or mechanically hold on to every inch of land at all costs, It is bound to destroy the entire force under the strong firepower of the enemy. Therefore, in the initial stage of the formation of the division, I used the tactics of ambush or night attack to attack the weak links of the German army to maximize the consumption and capture of the German army. Their military supplies. In this way, our soldiers can improve their overall morale in victory after victory, and at the same time establish the belief that our army will win."

"Let me say a few words." Akhromeyev waited for my words to come to an end, and couldn't help but interject: "I think that the teacher can achieve such results is related to an excellent teacher. First of all, he is very good at Carrying forward military democracy, those immature tactics must be discussed with us before making a final decision. Secondly, she often delegates the powers in her hands, and tries to give full play to the subjective initiative of frontline commanders, so that They adjusted the deployment of troops according to the actual situation on the battlefield. This can be proved by the fact that the German army has never been able to occupy the northern highlands of Mamayev Hill."

"The chief of staff is right." As soon as Akhromeyev finished speaking, Kirilov spoke again: "I came to the division, and after getting along with Comrade Oshanina, I realized that I was behind in tactical consciousness. , Will lead to a great deviation in understanding. I used to think that as long as we can defend our city and keep our line of defense, no matter how great the sacrifice is, it is worthwhile. But with the change in understanding, I found many of my previous views They are all wrong. Those commanders who blindly put their most elite troops into useless consumption regardless of the actual situation on the battlefield, although they behaved very bravely, in the end, apart from getting a tragic ending, they are helpful to the whole battle. No help. I think if you want to win, you must first know how to save yourself. Only if you save yourself first can you destroy more enemies."

After Kirilov's words were finished, the room fell into a terrible silence. I didn't expect Kirilov to be so bold that even the views I usually instilled in him were spoken in front of Trikov. You must know that Cui Koff, like other high-level commanders, likes to use carpet-like crowd tactics, using lives to fill in one victory after another. What Kirilov said was undoubtedly hitting the opponent in the face.

I watched Cui Kefu's expression carefully, and saw that his face changed from blue to purple, and his breathing became quicker. Seeing his expression, my heart touched my throat. My heart said that Kirilov had exposed his shortcomings in public. He wouldn't be angry at Kirilov, right?

Trikov slapped the table abruptly, then stood up and stared at Kirilov. Just when I thought he was going to get angry. He suddenly burst into laughter. At the same time, he said loudly: "Well said. Comrade Kirilov, what you said is really good!"

Cui Kefu's expression shocked me. I said to my heart that he didn't mean to say something wrong. Then I should be furious. Unexpectedly, he walked around the table and walked in front of Kirilov, proactively extended his hand to him, and said sincerely: "Thank you, Comrade Kirilov. You said very well. At the same time, it reminded me that at present In such a cruel battle, if we still use the old tactics in the past, our troops will still pay even greater sacrifices."

Seeing the hands of the two held tightly together, the heart hanging in my throat fell. It seems that Cui Kefu is also a commander who knows his mistakes and corrects his mistakes. It is precisely because of his excellent quality that decides. He can go higher and farther in the future.

After the interview with Kirilov and I, Erenburg went to the radio again to interview Razumeeva and Nadya. Vdovin was afraid that the two girls would say something wrong. Also leaned over.

There were only four people left at the table: I, Trikov, Kirilov, and Akhromeyev. Cui Kefu looked around for a while, then looked at me and asked: "Oshanina. The current strength of the group army is stretched. Next, how should we deal with enemies stronger than us? I want to hear your thoughts?"

I thought about it and replied: "With our existing forces and weapons and equipment, to counterattack the enemy will not only have no effect, but will consume our precious soldiers in vain. Therefore, I suggest that the group army be in the army under its jurisdiction. Organized a capable squad, with a sudden and violent counterattack at night, constantly cannibalize the enemy-occupied city positions, continue to contain and consume the German army’s viable strength and technical equipment. In this way, the pressure on the front of our group army’s defense will be reduced. With this reduction, the group army can be successively organized into a built-in, broken and exhausted unit of commanders and fighters, and withdraw across the Volga River for rest and replenishment."

After hearing this, Cuikov nodded and said with satisfaction: "Comrade Oshanina, your proposal coincides with General Krylov's idea. He also said that the current group army is insufficient and heavy weapons are comparable to the Germans. I don’t have an advantage. I suggest that I change my tactics and use my existing forces to consume as many Germans as possible into the city.”

After talking with Cui Kefu for a long time, he couldn't help feeling frustrated when he didn't mention when reinforcements would arrive. The expressions of Kirilov and Akhromeyev were not much better. After looking at each other, they frowned and stared at the map in front of them in a daze.

Seeing something wrong in the atmosphere, Cui Kefu hurriedly started haha: "Comrade Oshanina and Comrade Kirilov, I know what you are thinking, isn't it because you are worried that the existing force of the group army is not enough." Speaking of which, He lowered his voice and revealed to us, "Tell you the truth. The Front Army has assigned us the 308th Division that originally belonged to the 24th Army. The division has just been transferred from Siberia, and its commander is Colonel Gurtyev. Comrade Svirin, the political commissar of the division, is a commander with rich combat experience."

Hearing that reinforcements were coming, Kirilov and Akhromeyev immediately came to their minds and moved their heads to Cuikov. Kirilov smiled and asked: "Since there are reinforcements, can they help us? Add some soldiers?" I heard them bargaining with Cui Kefu, and I kept silent next to me wittily, planning to wait for the two to hit a wall and then I would go out.

As expected, Cuikov shook his head with a rattle, and unequivocally rejected Kirilov: "No, Comrade Kirilov. Your division has suffered a great loss, and the losses of other units are not small. No matter what your division is now, Say, there are more than two thousand people, and the rest of the divisions or brigades, only three to five hundred people are left. In some divisions, apart from division leaders who have to take part in the battle personally, even the wounded whose injuries have improved slightly, I also picked up the weapon again. Even if there are new recruits, I will give them priority." Kirilov and Akhromeyev sighed disappointedly, and sat listlessly back to their positions. on.

I looked at the factory area on the map, and suddenly remembered that Kirilov had mentioned to me earlier that Lyudnikov’s 70th Guards Division had been deployed to the open area between the factory area and the Volga River. So he asked Trikov curiously: "Comrade Commander, the German army is currently fighting our army in the factory area. Colonel Lyudnikov’s forces have been on the verge of exhaustion after a long battle. For this battle for the factory area, Maybe it can’t help much, right? Maybe when the 308th Division of Colonel Gurtiyev arrives, he must immediately plunge into the area to assist the 39th Guards Division in destroying the enemies that rushed into the factory area."

Cui Koff waved his hand and denied what I said: "Although the battle situation in the factory area is very tight, the 308th Division cannot be put into this area for the time being, because today the German force's pincer offensive in the Orlov area was successful, and Andriu The 3rd Battalion of the Schenko Infantry Brigade, several companies of the 2nd Motorized Infantry Brigade, and the 315th Infantry Battalion were encircled. We must put the 308th Division to the east of Orlov fortification, ready to meet the enemy from all directions At the same time, when the time is right, attack Orlov and rescue the encircled troops."

"But Comrade Commander," I kindly reminded Cui Koff when he finished speaking: "If the enemy is allowed to occupy the factory area, then all the passages from the main force of the group army to the pier will be cut off, and they will be stationed in Mamayevgang. The division will become a lone army. With our existing forces, facing simultaneous attacks from all directions, it will not last long."

"Don't worry, Colonel Oshanina." Cui Kefu comforted me: "Although I will not put the 308th division into the factory area, other troops will be responsible for the defense of this area."

Trikov’s words have rekindled new hope in our hearts. Kirilov couldn’t wait to ask: "Comrade Commander, are there any other reinforcements?"

Cui Koff nodded and said: "Yes, according to the order of the superior. If Major General Lujefu's 37th Infantry Division of Guards will be transferred from the 4th Tank Army sequence, cross the river to reinforce us, and no later than the evening of October 3rd. Enter the city. After entering the city, the regiments under the division should immediately occupy the defense line and start fighting in the early morning of the next day. Their main task is to defend the factory area~www.wuxiaspot.com~ to assist the guards fighting here. The 39th Division and the militia unit will wipe out all enemies in the area.” Two new reinforcements are coming soon, which means that the defensive pressure on Mamayev Hill will also be greatly reduced, and my mood suddenly changed. Have to relax.

After Ehrenberg and Fedowin interviewed Razumeyeva and the others, they walked over again and said goodbye to us. Kirilov quickly called Basmanov over and told him: "Comrade Captain, send a squad to Comrade Erenburg to **** him out of the high ground safely."

After Ehrenberg thanked Kirilov, he said goodbye to everyone. When he finally walked to my side, he turned his head and glanced at him. Seeing that his fellow Fdowin was saying goodbye to everyone, he suddenly said to me in a low voice. One sentence: "Comrade Oshanina, please come with me." With that, he walked towards the door.

When we came to the door, the person closest to us was five or six steps away. He lowered his voice and said to me: "Comrade Oshanina, I secretly tell you a good news. Maybe it won’t be long before you can regain the general rank. To be continued.)

ps: I sincerely thank book friends, mad spirit apostles, and children's shoes for their precious monthly support!

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