Chapter 48 The End

In the forward command post of the Soviet 20th Tank Division, shrouded in the roar of artillery, Division Commander Chernyaev with a calm face was speaking calmly to his partner standing behind him.

"A long time has passed since we destroyed the white bandits and drove off the little bourgeoisie who invaded our country, Peter."

"How many of those old comrades who fought with us against the enemy are still alive today? You don't need me to tell you the reason."

"Each of us has lost too much in the past, Peter, but we have also learned and changed a lot after losing it. I don't want the tragedies that happened to our old comrades to happen to you and me again. Repeatedly, what could be more tragic than a patriotic soldier with lofty beliefs dying in vain but not receiving any honor or redress? "

After finishing his sentence, he slowly turned his head with some unfinished thoughts. Chernyaev had already realized that what he had just said was absolutely 100% sincere and he had unwavering faith.

"If necessary, I will shoulder all the responsibilities, old friend. So this matter has nothing to do with you, Peter. As the highest military commander, I have the right and obligation to carry out the offensive operations orders issued by my superiors, nothing more. "

After listening to the horrifying words from Chernyaev's mouth with an expression of disbelief and shock, I never thought that my seemingly calm old comrade-in-arms was hiding so deeply in his heart. Petrov, who knew what Chernyaev had just said, was implying, immediately said.

"It's been so long since that incident. Why are you still so brooding about it!? We are all glorious Red Army soldiers following the leadership of the great leader Comrade Stalin. We will sacrifice our lives for the Soviet Union at any time. You and I were once under the party's banner. The oath you made! This is not a reason for you to hold on to or even imprison yourself in the memories of the past. Wake up!"

Listening to Commissar Petrov's loud roar and strong persuasion, Commander Chernyaev, who was about to speak after squirming his lips, finally did not say anything. Only his eyes that still maintained a firm look were looking at him. This special moment now silently expresses his inner will.

As time passed by, he still didn't wait for Commander Chernyev to change his order. He knew that his old comrade had personally imprisoned him in the unbearable memories of the past. Political Commissar Petrov was no longer there. Unable to bear it any longer, he immediately turned around without saying a word and walked quickly towards the telephone on the command table behind him that was connected to the headquarters of the 9th Mechanized Army in the rear.

"What are you doing? Peter."

In response to the question coming from behind him, Commissar Petrov immediately blurted out as he strode forward without looking back.

"Since I, a little political commissar, can't stop you, I don't believe that Commander Rokossovsky can be as crazy as you! There must be a suitable person to stand up and stop your crazy behavior, comrade division commander!"

Without waiting for Chernyev behind him to reply again, he strode to the wired telephone on the table. Petrov, who had just put his hand on the phone, had not had time to lift it up. , the phone ringing suddenly and unexpectedly interrupted Petrov's movements without warning.

"this"

For a moment, he did not expect that the divisional headquarters phone would ring suddenly at this special moment. Petrov, who realized that the battle situation might have happened beyond his expectation, immediately turned his eyes to the man standing beside him. As for Chernyaev, the latter, who was understanding, temporarily put aside the conflict just now and then nodded slowly.

After getting the confirmation from his old comrade, Commissar Petrov, who had basically guessed where the call came from, immediately picked up the microphone in his hand.

"Hey, 20th Tank Division Headquarters, please speak"

About less than a minute later, the order from Major General Rokossovsky was confirmed through the field wired phone connected to the rear military headquarters. Petrov, who was relieved, immediately Just like letting go of a big stone in his heart, he calmly put the phone receiver back on top of the phone.

"Now you don't need me to report to the higher-ups. Someone will step forward to stop you, comrade division commander."

He blurted out in a slightly calm but disappointed tone. He had just received a call from Major General Rokossovsky, commander of the Soviet 9th Mechanized Corps, the superior of the 20th Tank Division, and he had already confirmed what his superior said. Political Commissar Petrov, who had given the first step of instructions, then completely relayed what he had just heard on the microphone to Mr. Chernyayev.

"I just received a call from Army Commander General Rokossovsky, Comrade Division Commander. Not only is our offensive in the town of Brod frustrated and progress is unfavorable, but also the progress in several other directions from Lutsk to Dub The friendly troops that the Germans attacked in the Nuo area also suffered heavy losses due to the Germans' three-dimensional air-ground tactics, and had to withdraw from their starting positions and switch to a defensive posture. "

"Comrade Rokossovsky ordered our division to immediately pull back the scattered offensive troops and prepare for tactical defense to resist the German counterattack. Intelligence showed that the Germans almost occupied the entire south in order to win the battle from Lutsk to Brod. The Fourth Air Force belonging to the Army Group has all been mobilized to the front line. Without air support and air superiority, we simply cannot withstand so many German aircraft!"

After hearing the order relayed by Petrov, he was unexpectedly not too surprised or puzzled. On the contrary, Chernaya was almost always conflicted in his heart to force himself to do something. My husband also felt relieved.

"Well, since this is an order from our superiors, we as subordinates should implement it. Inform Sergey and Mayakov, and immediately lead the remaining offensive troops to withdraw from the German position. We must Before the German armored forces completely separate and encircle them!"

The white deteriorating battlefield that lasted for most of the day amid heavy artillery fire finally came to an end with the Soviet army's temporary retreat after exhausting its offensive power. However, it was obvious that it successfully withstood the Soviet army's first wave of offensive and defeated its opponent. The German army, which had suffered heavy casualties, naturally refused to give up.

As the sun sets in the evening, an unstoppable counterattack storm is about to hit.