“His Battalion” Bykov in brief summary

The trench is shallow, dry and dusty – hastily dug out overnight in the thaw that has just thawed from winter frosts, but already well dried. In order not to protrude, Voloshin stood bent over, with his high growth, it was tedious. Changing the pose, he knocked a bundle of earth from the parapet, painfully struck Jim sitting next to him, he heard an offended dog squeal.

The battalion commander carefully examined the slopes of the altitude. The Germans settled on it at full speed. Voloshin thought with regret that they had made a mistake on the eve, without attacking this altitude from the distance. Then there were still some chances to capture it, but the artillery failed – there were no shells. The regiment commander did not seem to notice this altitude. Still, it should have been taken, but this task is beyond the strength of the battle-battered battalion. Taking up the height, the Germans, not paying attention to the machine-gun fire, were fixed in the main: in

the evening they brought up logs and equipped dugouts and trenches. Voloshin thought that at night, which is good, they also mined the slopes.

Quickly darkened and colder. The battalion commander left Prygu-nova as an observer, and himself went down into the dugout with a cheerfully crackling stove. Voloshin reached for the fire, experiencing an unusual bliss. An elderly and slow-moving telephone operator Chernoruchenko, pinching a telephone receiver between his shoulder and ear, pushed a brush into the stove and smiled. The battalion commander looked at those sitting in the dug-out – they all had a conspiratorial look. The captain asked, on what occasion subordinates are having fun? The orderly Gutman explained that from the headquarters they had been informed of the awarding of the battalion commander with the order. Voloshin did not find any joy, he thought, why they reward him only? Gutman prepared a “wash”, but the battalion commander ordered to hide, or rather give dry footcloths. The orderly instantly took the captain spare footcloths and sewn a button on the commander’s overcoat. Voloshin

stretched out his stiff legs with delight. Markin reported: a reinforcements will arrive in the battalion, followed by a representative at 22.00. Voloshin asked if they asked sixty-five from the regiment about the height. The lieutenant asked if the Germans were strengthening it well. Voloshin fears that he will receive a belated order to take the height, on which the Germans have already fortified themselves. But the further, the better they will be, and the height will be more difficult to take.

Before the report to the commander Voloshin was visibly nervous, it always ended in a squabble, the battalion commander in every possible way delayed the report.

The captain asked Markin about the surroundings, he remembered how difficult it was to leave the encirclement, finally joined the part that also found itself in the enemy’s rear, only a month later managed to get out to his own. Markin complained about his unfortunate fate: so much had to endure – the enemy does not want, and has not attained to anything, did not earn orders. Voloshin reassured: “In vain do you think so.” There is still a long way to go to Berlin “- and prepared for the report.

But I could not talk to my superiors. Mortar shelling began. Mines flew over the heads to the near rear under the forest. Voloshin sent Gutman to inquire into the cause of the “German concern.” Markin decided that this “artillerymen-razini” lit up as usual. Chernoruchenko called the battalion commander to the telephone, he was summoned from the headquarters. The major asked Voloshin with displeasure about the reason for the upheaval. The battalion commander reported that the Germans continued to grow stronger, the major asked angrily why the battalion did not interfere with the strengthening of the Germans. But Voloshin has nothing to “discourage”: gunners are silent because of the lack of shells, machine-gun fire is not terrible to the entrenched Germans. Gunko angrily asked who in the battalion’s location “teases the Germans”? Voloshin angered the captious commander, and he asked the major to address, as expected, the ” you. “In response, Gunko” remembered “that Voloshin had received the” Red Banner. “The battalion commander was unhappy with this late reminder of the chief about the reward.” Jim snapped out unexpectedly. “Jim lunged forward, but the battalion commander grabbed him by the withers. was surprised: “What kind of a kennel?” He held his hand to his head, and when he removed it, blood appeared in his palm, it was the general, the division commander. “Voloshin started the report, but the general frowned in displeasure:” Why so loud? “The general accompanying him ordered a medical orderly, Gutman p “The general inquired about the dog, asked Voloshin how long he commanded the battalion?” “Seven months,” the captain replied. The battalion commander is unpleasant with such a belated reminder of the chief about the reward. Suddenly Jim roared. Outside, strange voices were heard. Jim lunged forward, but the battalion commander grabbed him by the withers. Entered involuntarily surprised: “What kind of kennel?” He held his hand to his head, and when he removed it, blood appeared on his palm. It was the general, the division commander. Voloshin started the report, but the general frowned in displeasure: “Why so loud?” Accompanying the general ordered to call a saninstruktora, Gutman ran to carry out the order. The general asked the dog, asked Voloshin how long he commanded the battalion? “Seven months,” the captain replied. The battalion commander is unpleasant with such a belated reminder of the chief about the reward. Suddenly Jim roared. Outside, strange voices were heard. Jim lunged forward, but the battalion commander grabbed him by the withers. Entered involuntarily surprised: “What kind of kennel?” He held his hand to his head, and when he removed it, blood appeared on his palm. It was the general, the division commander. Voloshin started the report, but the general frowned in displeasure: “Why so loud?” Accompanying the general ordered to call a saninstruktora, Gutman ran to carry out the order. The general asked the dog, asked Voloshin how long he commanded the battalion? “Seven months,” the captain replied. Entered involuntarily surprised: “What kind of kennel?” He held his hand to his head, and when he removed it, blood appeared on his palm. It was the general, the division commander. Voloshin started the report, but the general frowned in displeasure: “Why so loud?” Accompanying the general ordered to call a saninstruktora, Gutman ran to carry out the order. The general asked the dog, asked Voloshin how long he commanded the battalion? “Seven months,” the captain replied. Entered involuntarily surprised: “What kind of kennel?” He held his hand to his head, and when he removed it, blood appeared on his palm. It was the general, the division commander. Voloshin started the report, but the general frowned in displeasure: “Why so loud?” Accompanying the general ordered to call a saninstruktora, Gutman ran to carry out the order. The general asked the dog, asked Voloshin how long he commanded the battalion? “Seven months,” the captain replied. how long does he command the battalion? “Seven months,” the captain replied. how long does he command the battalion? “Seven months,” the captain replied.

Then they unfolded the map and began to find out the situation. The conversation began about the height of sixty-five. The general was surprised that she had not yet been taken. The battalion commander explained that he had not received an order for this. The general summoned Major Gunko. Voloshin felt that a scandal was brewing. Appeared a medical officer Veretennikova, but not in a hurry to help the general, but turned to him on a personal issue, asking to stay in the battalion. The general was at a loss, the battalion commander replied that this was the order for the regiment. The general confirmed that he can not solve this issue. Veretennikova had no choice but to deal with the wound. She cut off the General’s temple, cleverly bandaged her head and wanted to pass a bandage under her jaw, but this did not please the general. Saninstruktor dissuaded that this was the case, the wounded did not agree. Then she tore off the bandage with a bang and, throwing it on the run. “

The battalion commander was waiting for the separation, but he was powerless before the military girls. Their behavior did not succumb to logic. The general held back his anger for the time being. Appeared Major Gunko, the general scolded for spurs: excessive care of appearance. The general attacked the major, accusing him of all his sins: for lack of discipline, a bad choice of position. Therefore, all the entrances to the battalion are controlled by the Germans, they open fire and destroy everything that hinders them. The battalion commander realized that the order to take the height would inevitably come, and in the battalion there were only seventy-six men. Asked by the general about the replenishment, Gunko replied that he had received, but the people had not yet been sent to the battalion. Voloshin clarified that he needed commanders, only one full-time company commander in the battalion. There is no commissioner. Voloshin asked if he should prepare for an attack. The commander of the division replied that they would sort it out, and the battalion commander will receive an official order. Voloshin looked at his watch, it was almost 22.00 – there was no time to wait for orders, we must start training. The general was angry, he had to worry before, but now for the lack of discipline in the battalion and “for the tricks of the medical orderly” he declares the battalion commander a reprimand for the regiment, he also takes the dog, “you do not need it – command the battalion.” The general tried to take the dog, but Jim growled menacingly. The general ordered an escort to be identified, which he could handle with Jim. Voloshin instructed the orderly to take the dog to the headquarters. Gutman tried to object, but Voloshin stopped all the talk. and now for the lack of discipline in the battalion and “for the tricks of the medical orderly” he declares the battalion commander a reprimand for the regiment, he also takes the dog, “you it does not need anything – command the battalion.” The general tried to take the dog, but Jim growled menacingly. The general ordered an escort to be identified, which he could handle with Jim. Voloshin instructed the orderly to take the dog to the headquarters. Gutman tried to object, but Voloshin stopped all the talk. and now for the lack of discipline in the battalion and “for the tricks of the medical orderly” he declares the battalion commander a reprimand for the regiment, he also takes the dog, “you it does not need anything – command the battalion.” The general tried to take the dog, but Jim growled menacingly. The general ordered an escort to be identified, which he could handle with Jim. Voloshin instructed the orderly to take the dog to the headquarters. Gutman tried to object, but Voloshin stopped all the talk.

On the way to the company Voloshin nearly fell, stumbling over the spear. He was thinking about the impending attack, which is likely to fail due to the lack of sufficient number of fighters, artillery shells. Soon the guard called to him, explained the situation: there was no sound from the Germans, “the devils know how to disguise themselves.” The sentry asked the battalion commander, where was Jim? I had to say that the dog no longer exists. I thought to myself that the dog at the headquarters would be better, safer, than on the front line.

Voloshin again called. He spoke with the familiar machine-gunner Denischik. He indicated the location of the company Samokhin. Entering the tight dugout, the battalion commander saw supper fighters. In the corner stacked a bag of Veretennikov, she pushed Lieutenant Samokhin into the side, pointing to the commander of the battalion who had entered. The lieutenant invited Voloshin to supper, but the captain refused, he learned about the number of fighters in the seventh company. There are twenty-four of them left. He ordered two reliable fighters to be selected and sent to the reconnaissance to the “Great” height to find out whether the Germans had laid mine fields. When the men came out of the dug-out, the battalion commander asked Samokhin whether there was a long wait for Veretennikov to be sent from the front. The lieutenant promised at dawn. But Vera protested that she would not go anywhere. I went with the battalion during the most difficult period of the offensive, and now it will also remain. Voloshin cut off, that there is no hospital in the battalion. Veretennikova fiercely protested: “Vadka will not go anywhere from anywhere,” he will perish without it, it pops everywhere recklessly. She will never leave on the eve of the attack. Dispute stopped the coming fighters Drozd and Kabakov, they had to go to reconnaissance to the height. Voloshin ordered to take paper, knife pierce the ground and mark the mines with the pieces of paper. The battalion commander expects that the fighters will be able to return from work in two hours.

Suddenly, Kabakov refused, he coughs and can betray himself. Voloshin, restraining irritation, replaced the coward Nagorny. The captain later asked Kabakov if he was afraid. The soldier frankly admitted that he was afraid. Samokhin is indignant that Kabakov is hiding behind the backs of his comrades, and wants to sort it out, but the battalion commander does not allow him, he sends the fighter “to the place.” Samokhin “boils” everything, the battalion commander is silent.

The first to come to Voloshin’s challenge came Lieutenant Yaroshchuk, the commander of a large battalion of heavy machine guns attached to the battalion of the DShK, he was under fifty, not at all commanding. He began to complain about the frost, then realized: his talkativeness is inappropriate. Next came the commander of the eighth company Lieutenant Muratov, but it took a long time to wait for the commander of the ninth company Kizevich. Voloshin intended to re-send for him, as he fell in, reporting negligently about his arrival. Each company reported on personnel and the availability of ammunition. The fewest fighters, eighteen, and ammunition from Muratov, but his company always went in the center and it got more than the others. Kizevich has the largest number of fighters-thirty-three and enough ammunition. Yaroshchuk reported that he had two calculations, two machine-guns, one cart and two horses. There are also enough cartridges. The battalion commander announced the impending attack on the altitude, should have been prepared in advance. Kizevich “dreamed” that if two battalions work – the height will be taken. The battalion did not like the mood of the platoon commander, he said to forget about the battalions: it’s good, if Ivanov’s battery is delivered with shells, but do not count for more. Voloshin ordered Kizevich to share arms and ammunition with Muratov. Objections of the company did not take into account. It was a quarter to eleven – it was time to hurry. Objections of the company did not take into account. It was a quarter to eleven – it was time to hurry. Objections of the company did not take into account. It was a quarter to eleven – it was time to hurry.

At the exit from the trench, the battalion commander encountered Gutman, who reported the arrival of the replenishment in the amount of ninety-two people. Going to his room, the battalion commander warned Samokhin, as soon as the scouts returned, immediately report to the command post of the battalion. Going for the commander, Gutman told me that the headquarters “cum” about the height, the interaction of the battalion with the battery, and no one knows that this battalion is one company. Voloshin asked restraintly orderly, what did he not report there? Gutman responded that it was not his business, although “at the wrong end of the headquarters they begin: we must first take the state farm, and not stretch the battalion for four kilometers.” With a hidden irony Voloshin advised the orderly: “You should command a regiment or division.” Gutman was not at all embarrassed, he replied that he would have coped, although he had not graduated from academies, but there was a head on his shoulders. About the head Voloshin agreed, but “not always she decides.” The orderly told that he tied Jim with a belt. He sits, he does not let anyone in for five meters. “They’ll pay you back with him.” Voloshin retorted: “With him what to cry? How could we not have wept without him.”

New arrivals were standing near the trench. Markin, writing down the replenishment, said that the attack was scheduled for six thirty. Voloshin asked: “Did the replenishment come with ammunition?” Markin mysteriously replied that those who arrived with ammunition and weapons, and what’s the use – they almost do not understand Russian. Voloshin looked anxiously at the arrivals: the overcoats worn out in the toe, sagging pouches, frozen hands in three-fingered large gloves, which clumsily held scraped bed of rifles, hunched from the lean things of the figure, became uncomfortable from one kind. The captain thought that “the battalion fostered by his cares, put together during the long weeks of formation, probably will end on that one.” He tried to protect the personnel, but the companies still melted, the number of newcomers increased, there were less and less hardened veterans, and with them, by their grains, his fighting strength and his commanding confidence declined. It was almost frightening. Having built up the completion, the battalion commander found out if the interpreter was there? Then he ordered that the sick, untrained, and whoever was afraid to break down. With the first two teams out of order, five or six people came out. At the last question the formation stood motionless, probably all the timid have already used their opportunity. Out of order the battalion commander sent Gutman to the headquarters, and decided to fight with the rest. Hopefully, everything will turn out well. Having already survived the first battle, the newcomers will change beyond recognition. The newcomers did not have any questions to the battalion commander. Distributing the people by company, Voloshin saw Markina. The lieutenant is unhappy that the battalion commander sent more than ten men to the rear. The captain objected that in battle he needed soldiers, not targets. The remaining beginners may have to be kicked into the attack, a week later they will begin to rise on orders, and a month later “will reward”. The lieutenant gloomily remarked: “If there is anyone.”

Voloshin did not have time to think about the impending attack, as he was again summoned to the phone by Gunko, scolding the newcomers sent to the headquarters. But the battalion commander objected that he did not need soldiers hoping for a medical unit. The major threatened that he would no longer give a single soldier to Voloshin’s battalion. The captain agreed to rely on his strength. Then the receiver was taken by the commissar, explaining that with the soldiers it was necessary to hold a political talk. Voloshin refused: the soldiers had better rest before the impending attack. The commissioner nevertheless decided to send Lieutenant Kruglov to Voloshin, he knows his business – the former Komsomol. The battalion commander calmed down: you can agree with Kruglov, he recently fought in the Voloshin battalion. The captain sent his deputy Markin to the ninth company to organize reconnaissance of the “Minor” height behind the swamp. Staying alone with the CP was unbearable, and the battalion commander went to the companies,

Voloshin walked along the slope to the swamp, anxiously listening to the silence. He was afraid of “accidental death away from his, without witnesses.” In this situation, death itself is not terrible, but how people will react to it. There are also some who will say: “ran to the Germans.” This was already the case after the disappearance in the autumn of the commander of the regiment Bulanov and the chief of staff Alex-ka. They left the top with the second battalion’s battalion at the third and disappeared without a trace, but most likely they fell into the hands of German intelligence agents. The battalion commander remembered this incident now. When Jim was there, with his dog instinct and selfless devotion, all sorts of randomness fell away.

This dog came to him six months ago, when Voloshin with the remnants of the army came out of the encirclement near Selizharov. The breakthrough was prolonged, the Germans were all crumbling with mortar fire, the pines were burning, and from them came acrid smoke. Voloshin was wounded with a shrapnel in the head. Somehow bandaged, he waited for the team “forward”, but it was not there. Thirsty, he went to look for water and came upon a stream near which he saw a dog. Turning to one side a skinny back and widely spreading front paws, Jim was sitting in front of a stream and with a tortured expectation in his eyes looked at the man. After drinking the water, Voloshin calmly approached the dog, he did not deviate from the hand of man. Voloshin realized that the hind paw of the dog was killed with a fragment. Voloshin remnants of bandage bandaged a fracture, breaking the twigs, put them instead of tires on his paw and again bandaged. The dog with the newfound hope roamed after the man. Until evening he kept pace with the captain. During the breakthrough, the dog did not fall behind. Voloshin bandaged his paw in the sanitation unit, where the captain himself was bandaged. Together we ate at the first field kitchen, and Voloshin took the dog to the collection point in the formation. Jim’s paw surprisingly soon grew together, he did not step away from his savior a single step; Occasionally there were complications with the authorities, but everything went right through to this night. Initially, Voloshin was not particularly upset by the loss of Jim, now at times he was desperate, Jim became an expensive creature for him. For the general, the same – a whim, no more. he did not step away from his savior a single step; Occasionally there were complications with the authorities, but everything went right through to this night. Initially, Voloshin was not particularly upset by the loss of Jim, now at times he was desperate, Jim became an expensive creature for him. For the general, the same – a whim, no more. he did not step away from his savior a single step; Occasionally there were complications with the authorities, but everything went right through to this night. Initially, Voloshin was not particularly upset by the loss of Jim, now at times he was desperate, Jim became an expensive creature for him. For the general, the same – a whim, no more.

In the eighth company, it turned out that the scouts were sent, so Markin began to act, he is quite an executive, but acting only within the order. The war had already broken it. Voloshin knew from experience that “people are people and it is at least ridiculous to demand from someone not according to his abilities.” Soon Markin came up and reported that three were sent, they would soon come. The battalion commander ordered that they report to the seventh company, as soon as the scouts return, Samokhin will report.

Voloshin listened attentively to the silence, but from the “Big” and “Minor” heights did not reach a sound, only on the marsh the wind whistled in the bush. The captain went to Kizevich, on the way talking to Muratov, the commander of the eighth company. To the question of the battalion commander about the mood, Muratov replied that he had an unpleasant premonition, the clock had risen. Voloshin said that the clock was junk. Muratov confirmed – German. He said that the clock came from Rubtsov, who gave them to the commander before the artillery preparation. Now the clock has risen, as if noting the deadline for the deadline. The battalion commander reassured that this was a simple coincidence.

Approached Kizevich reported that the new arrivals have dug themselves in a trench for two and now rest. Marshal was in a good mood. The battalion commander felt: Kizevich drank, and scolded him. Nearby stood the silent Muratov. Voloshin ordered one DSC machine gun to hand over the seventh and the other to the ninth company.

The battalion commander proceeded along and across the entire slope, and in vain: Yaroshchuk’s machine-gun platoon seemed to fall through the earth. But he wandered to the gunners. Captain Ivanov gave Voloshin a cup of coffee. They were familiar with the pre-war time. Ivanov, settling down on the stove, read Yesenin’s poems. Voloshin asked the book to read. Ivanov gave, but with the condition that the battalion commander will return the book, but “then I have a line.” The artilleryman said that more than forty shells would not be given, and he would not be able to shoot everything, he must leave it. Voloshin noticed without envy that the artillerymen had settled well. Ivanov retorted that the battalion commander had Jim. The captain replied that Jim was taken by the general. Ivanov blurted out: “Oh, it’s your own fault! An eccentric! Is it possible to show such a dog to the generals? I asked, did not give it to me.

The battalion commander asked Ivanov whether the trenches of the Germans had been shot at him. He nodded in the affirmative. Voloshin would like to delay the artillery preparation so that in silence and darkness the battalion could get as close to the German trenches as possible.

Ivanov would be glad, but they will not let him. “With the road would be a soul, but then the authorities will demand,” they would only have a bigger rumble. Friends poured about the skills of German machine gunners and snipers. “And the hell hell knows what’s not in the programs.” They teach the drill, as if on the front every day parades. And we need rifle training and, most importantly, ammunition. After talking with Ivanov, Voloshin went to the company.

Again the battalion commander did not find Yaroshchuk. Muratov reported that three reconnaissance men had returned, reported: at “Minor” their height. Scouts did not come into contact with the soldiers at altitude, only heard the conversation in Russian. Voloshin did not like this approximate reconnaissance. The fighters claimed that it was impossible to come nearer, deep water, there was no ice. The battalion commander asked: “And how did they go?” The scouts answered: “And who knows, maybe where there is a passage, but at night, how will you find it?” Voloshin ordered to establish a connection with those located at altitude. Having said goodbye to the silent Muratov, the battalion commander left for Samokhin’s company to find out whether the scouts had returned from the “Great” height. Voloshin decided to return to his CP. He ordered: “Scouts will come – immediately to me.” On the CP Voloshin reported Gunko on the preparation for the attack, only Ivanov ” “The major assured, the support will be, let the battalion commander not worry, not his concern.” I attack, and not someone else. That’s why I take care, “Voloshin replied, and the major asked if everything was ready for the attack.” The commander replied that the scouts had not returned from the “low” altitude. “The major was surprised that Voloshin had the altitude, according to his information, that it was free, but he used obsolete Voloshin asked to postpone the hour of “Sabantuya” – an attack an hour earlier, in order to approach the enemy at dusk. The major refused, and everything is already coordinated with the headquarters, it is not in his power. The battalion commander argued that the attack was scheduled for 6.30, people, preparing for an attack, will not have time to rest during the night, nor But the authorities need to get into the midday bulletin, so they hurry the subordinates. “The battalion commander could not restrain irritation, although a minute later regretted that when subordinates discussed the orders. He told Markina to rest up to 4.00, then he himself would suck an hour. In the meantime, I decided to clean up myself, shave. Voloshin thought with regret that he had launched an attack earlier or without unnecessary noise, it could be more successful. After all, they can make forty shells, they will not only help the battalion, but also reveal the plans of the battalion to the enemy.

Having shaved, the battalion commander took out his TT pistol in 1939 – it was his friend and savior, who repeatedly helped out in a difficult moment. Voloshin rubbed it with a handkerchief. Weapon oil was stored in Gutman’s bag, blissfully sleeping next to each other. The battalion commander did not want to wake the orderly. In the dugout

He squeezed round, he melted the stove out, soon it was flickering with smoke and warming. Kruglov had no doubt that the battalion would execute the order to take the height. Voloshin complained about the replenishment that has come, he does not understand Russian well. Kruglov reassured, he will be able to negotiate with the soldiers, himself from Samarkand. About political support, Kruglov promised to read the soldiers a letter from the girls from Sverdlovsk, better than any conversation. He read a fragment of the letter in which the girls assured that they were waiting for the heroes-front-line soldiers, they were hoping for them, they kept the maiden love and tenderness.

Kruglov gathered in companies, and Voloshin advised to go to Muratov, something company completely sour.

The battalion commander hopes that suddenly everything will turn out tomorrow, they will occupy the height, “they will be fixed, they will burst, some respite will come, one can rest on the defensive.” And then he is ashamed of his thoughts – he decided to rest when half of Russia moans under the German, blood is poured in half with tears. The mind understands this, and the body craves rest and peace.

He got a letter from his mother, who lives in Vitebsk and wrote to her son on the eve of the occupation of the city. She wrote that she would not leave her native city, where she had lived all her life, after giving thirty years to the school. I decided to stay at home, next to the graves of my parents and husband. But all her thoughts are directed to her son, she asks him, “if possible, take care of yourself.” Rereading his mother’s letter, Voloshin thought: “My dear, kind, naive mother, if it were possible…”

It seems that he dozed off, warmed up in the corner, and suddenly picked up the fright with a clear consciousness of trouble, outside the silence was ripped apart by a flurry of fire, rumble and cod. The Germans threw the swamp and the location of the battalion with mines, and endlessly flared the light flares. The battalion commander understood, the scouts ran into the Germans, now there is a battle. After shouting Gutman, Voloshin rushed down the slope. The 7th company was all on its feet, Samokhin reported that there were no scouts yet, probably they were fighting off the Germans. Voloshin ordered immediately to send ten people to the rescue of scouts, but not before the fighters retreated to the swamp, as they saw the returning scouts. Nagorny reported that Drozd was wounded. They crawled back, but ran into a spiral stretched by the Germans recently. Still going to the Germans, the scouts passed freely, and on the way back they ran into the spiral of Bruno. Nagorny explained that the noise rose, when he pulled the wounded man. But there are no minefields, the Germans are walking peacefully, so the mines are not delivered. Voloshin calmed down a bit: no minefields, scouts though with one wounded, but returned. The captain praised the soldier, who did not abandon the wounded man. Voloshin realized the height should be taken urgently. Promedli still day, there will be not one spiral Bruno, and a little, moreover and mine protection. The wounded was taken to the rear, Samokhin promised to remind the coward how another man went into reconnaissance for him: “I’ll show him how to hide behind other people’s backs.” The battalion commander understood who he was talking about, but did not say anything, ordered more quickly to feed the fighters before the impending attack, and specified to each mouthful his area of ​​attack. Samokhin inquired whether there were many artillery shells. The battalion commander replied that they had given twenty to the gun. The main hope for DShK. If Yaroshchuk does not let you down… ” The battalion commander went to Kizevich, the main concern of the night fell from his shoulders, “it would be easier to manage without mines in all respects.” Now, it must be clarified that with the “Little” height, who is there? “Suddenly Gutman began to say that Samokhin would now show Kabakov, how to hide behind other people’s backs. “The battalion commander replied that all the people come to the front differently, but suddenly all of them have only one requirement, and of course, not all of them correspond. There is time to rub, and it just does not. Gutman said, Everybody is afraid, but to hide behind the backs of others is a nonsense Then he asked to join the company, he wants to avenge the relatives who died in Kiev, Gutman would have been quite fit for the company’s position, but Voloshin could not remain without a sensible orderly, he promised to solve this issue after tomorrow’s offensive – now is not the time.

Nobody slept at the KP, there were no scouts. Voloshin asked if they fed the people, sent Markin to monitor the execution of the order to prepare the mouth for the attack. Then Voloshin got ready for the report. The major was interested, that again for the noise in the location of the battalion. The battalion commander reported that the scouts had attacked the Germans, one was wounded. On the question Gunko about the wounded Voloshin answered, the wounded was taken out and already sent to the medical unit. Gunko once again repeated the order: “Blood from the nose, and take the height.” He said that commanders from headquarters will come to control and assist to the battalion commander. Voloshin gave a crooked grin, he needed trunks, support of artillery, and not useless overseers. On the question of the battalion commander about the time of the attack Gunko confirmed – the time before – 6.30. After talking with the major, Voloshin set about breakfast. Again, “zazumeril” phone. From the headquarters they demanded the results of reconnaissance, the battalion commander replied that he had not yet received the information himself. Later, three dense figures piled into the dug-out: Captain Hilko, chief of the regiment’s service; the regimental engineer whose names Voloshin did not know yet; The third was a major, a veterinarian. He immediately became interested in the presence of horse convoy. Voloshin remarked sarcastically that an attack is expected in the battalion, and not a “withdrawal of the convoy”. The captain sent them to the chief of staff, and he began to prepare for the attack. Voloshin left the arrivals on his CP, and himself, after calling the operator, went to the company. He decided to send a platoon under the command of Nagorny to the height. They will be fixed, and then they will cover the offensive of the battalion. The battalion commander did not have time to come to the seventh company, as Gutman caught up with him, accompanied by a veterinarian. Later, three dense figures piled into the dugout: Captain Hilko, chief of the regiment’s service; the regimental engineer whose names Voloshin did not know yet; The third was a major, a veterinarian. He immediately became interested in the presence of horse convoy. Voloshin remarked sarcastically that an attack is expected in the battalion, and not a “withdrawal of the convoy”. The captain sent them to the chief of staff, and he began to prepare for the attack. Voloshin left the arrivals on his CP, and himself, after calling the operator, went to the company. He decided to send a platoon under the command of Nagorny to the height. They will be fixed, and then they will cover the offensive of the battalion. The battalion commander did not have time to come to the seventh company, as Gutman caught up with him, accompanied by a veterinarian. Later, three dense figures piled into the dugout: Captain Hilko, chief of the regiment’s service; the regimental engineer whose names Voloshin did not know yet; The third was a major, a veterinarian. He immediately became interested in the presence of horse convoy. Voloshin remarked sarcastically that an attack is expected in the battalion, and not a “withdrawal of the convoy”. The captain sent them to the chief of staff, and he began to prepare for the attack. Voloshin left the arrivals on his CP, and himself, after calling the operator, went to the company. He decided to send a platoon under the command of Nagorny to the height. They will be fixed, and then they will cover the offensive of the battalion. The battalion commander did not have time to come to the seventh company, as Gutman caught up with him, accompanied by a veterinarian. veterinarian. He immediately became interested in the presence of horse convoy. Voloshin remarked sarcastically that an attack is expected in the battalion, and not a “withdrawal of the convoy”. The captain sent them to the chief of staff, and he began to prepare for the attack. Voloshin left the arrivals on his CP, and himself, after calling the operator, went to the company. He decided to send a platoon under the command of Nagorny to the height. They will be fixed, and then they will cover the offensive of the battalion. The battalion commander did not have time to come to the seventh company, as Gutman caught up with him, accompanied by a veterinarian. veterinarian. He immediately became interested in the presence of horse convoy. Voloshin remarked sarcastically that an attack is expected in the battalion, and not a “withdrawal of the convoy”. The captain sent them to the chief of staff, and he began to prepare for the attack. Voloshin left the arrivals on his CP, and himself, after calling the operator, went to the company. He decided to send a platoon under the command of Nagorny to the height. They will be fixed, and then they will cover the offensive of the battalion. The battalion commander did not have time to come to the seventh company, as Gutman caught up with him, accompanied by a veterinarian. He decided to send a platoon under the command of Nagorny to the height. They will be fixed, and then they will cover the offensive of the battalion. The battalion commander did not have time to come to the seventh company, as Gutman caught up with him, accompanied by a veterinarian. He decided to send a platoon under the command of Nagorny to the height. They will be fixed, and then they will cover the offensive of the battalion. The battalion commander did not have time to come to the seventh company, as Gutman caught up with him, accompanied by a veterinarian.

The closer the attack time was, the faster the time flew. Voloshin was afraid to miss something important, but the companies already had breakfast, Nagorny, headed by fourteen people advanced to the height. But Kizevich’s scouts had not yet returned from the “Minor” height. The battalion commander sent an orderly to the company. Captain Ivanov, the commander of the artillery batteries, also came here. The veterinarian inquired about ammunition. Voloshin responded that it was intended – given and no longer expected. He advised the major to leave for the KP, it is safer there, but he refused: he must see everything with his own eyes. Giving the order to the company, the battalion commander set the task of Kizevich in the flank to attack and “Minor” height, for which he was given one of the two machine guns Yaroshchuk. Yaroshchuk povozmuschalsya that forces are being scattered, but the battalion commander ignored his opinion. He stressed, The main idea of ​​the battle is to quickly capture the height. The ninth same is a difficult task, going to the “Great” height, do not forget about the “Little”. Kizevich asked, and if there are Germans? Voloshin clarified: “If the Germans are at the” Low “altitude, the company needs to take it first, and then move to the” Big “, not to leave the same enemies in its rear during the attack.” The battalion commander again summoned Gunko to the phone, hurrying with preparations for the attack. But these challenges only aggravated and distracted the battalion commander from the case.

After talking with Major Voloshin continued to instruct the company. The main blow is carried out by the eighth company, “as always,” said Muratov. Before the attack, the company took its places. In the trench with Voloshin remained Samokhin, it was the location of his company, a veterinarian and artilleryman Ivanov. Kruglov went to Kizevich, who now faced a difficult task.

In the pre-dawn twilight, the “Great” height was poorly seen.

Ivanov said that it’s almost impossible to shoot. Samokhin advised: “It is necessary, therefore, to wait.” Voloshin ordered a mouthful in two shots to try to reach the German trenches.

Gunko again phoned, demanding the beginning of artillery preparation, Voloshin answered angrily that the gunners did not see where to throw the shells.

The battalion commander, realizing the degree of his responsibility, allowed to delay the time for the artillery preparation, until he developed. “A major veterinarian froze in a mute surprise.” He protested, but Voloshin stopped the squabbling: you can report. See – it’s dark.

At 6.30 Gunko again called, but the battalion commander ordered to answer the telephone operator that the captain was in the company. Voloshin and Ivanov, looking through binoculars, set targets: bunker, machine gun, dugout, Bruno’s spiral… The artilleryman reported his readiness, only after that Voloshin told Gunko about the beginning of the artillery preparation and gave the rocket.

Under cover of artillery, the men advanced to the swamp. Voloshin thought, a couple more such shots and the task can be considered fulfilled. But he knew that the Germans would soon strike. The soldiers of Nagorny, who had advanced in advance, were now the first to be attacked by the Germans, and Yaroshchuk joined the battle. “Nagorny struck in time and covered fourteen of his soldiers with companies, even if he does not break into the trench, this maneuver will do his job.” Ivanov continued to throw shells, covering the offensive infantry. The mortar men entered the battle. Voloshin was pleased with the beginning of the attack. He informed Gunko at the Communist Party that he was pushing to the heights. He ordered Ivanov to sit down for another ten minutes and ran swiftly to the altitude, the veterinarian did not lag behind, it was almost unbelievable. Observers never went to the attack, but this one happened to be an executive one. Finally the Germans struck, they threw brisant gaps, from them not to hide. Voloshin shouted to the major to run ahead to get out of the fire, and then forgot about his own safety, worrying about the companies, over which the burst blasts burst. Jumping to the height of the new brisant gap, Voloshin saw around the soldiers of the eighth company: someone was tearing up a trench, someone was dragging a wounded Muratov. The battalion commander stopped the fighters, saw that the half-skull of the company was screwed up, ordered to leave Muratov and return to the chain. The battalion commander took over the leadership of the company and ordered to attack. At the first team the fighters did not rise, only after the decisive: “Forward!” – Slowly began to rise. The battalion wanted to lead a company into an attack by personal example, but he had a battalion whose fate depended largely on him, “he does not need a battalion dead.” The battalion commander realized, that under such fire it is impossible to attack, he will simply put the whole battalion here. Now the help of artillerymen would have been saved, but Ivanov’s battery was silent. The Germans conducted aimed fire on the chain. There was no connection – she was torn at the most inopportune moment. Connected rushed to the commanders mouth. After a while, Kizevich returned with a note – a request for withdrawal. The connected seventh company said that while they were being saved by a bump, but the company asked for permission to withdraw. The battalion commander was waiting for Samokhin, and behind him was a veterinarian, why Voloshin did not raise the battalion to attack? After a while, Kizevich returned with a note – a request for withdrawal. The connected seventh company said that while they were being saved by a bump, but the company asked for permission to withdraw. The battalion commander was waiting for Samokhin, and behind him was a veterinarian, why Voloshin did not raise the battalion to attack? After a while, Kizevich returned with a note – a request for withdrawal. The connected seventh company said that while they were being saved by a bump, but the company asked for permission to withdraw. The battalion commander was waiting for Samokhin, and behind him was a veterinarian, why Voloshin did not raise the battalion to attack?

Appeared Kruglov reported: “Battalion Commander, save the ninth! In half an hour all will be beaten.” Voloshin took the rocket launcher and signaled the departure.

He understood how this act would be perceived in the headquarters, but otherwise could not – it would be the conscientious killing of the battalion. Return with a handful of management, he could not, then, and he stay on the accursed height. “But he did not intend to die, he still wanted to fight, he had his own accounts with the Germans.” Returning to one of the last, Voloshin ordered the orderly and the telephonist to take back Muratov’s body.

Voloshin returned leisurely, putting so many human lives at the height, he no longer cherished his own.

Caught in the trench, the veterinarian asked Ivanov why the artillery worked so badly. “That the artillery worked well, we need ammunition,” said Ivanov. “And the cat was weeping for ammunition.” Major became interested in who is to blame. They answered him, let him ask about it at the headquarters of the division. The battalion commander specified: the delivery and supply of the army is carried from the top down. Ivanov apologized guiltily, there remained eight shells, how to release them and remain with nothing? An indignant Samokhin came. He was wounded in the head, but it did not concern the company. He has half the composition “like a cow licked his tongue.” The lieutenant was angry with the artillerymen, they would be in the chain themselves. Voloshin cut off that the artillerymen had nothing to do with them, they needed shells. Samokhin angrily objected that there was nothing to begin this suicide. Forty-eight people remained in his company. The telephonist reported:

Voloshin asked about Nagorniy, and Samokhin replied that he had fixed himself at a height: “He’s jumped where he went.” The battalion commander was agitated, the fate of a handful of people was completely on his conscience. Did the Nagornyi break into the German trench? What seemed to be an undeniable success recently, now caused almost fright. Now everyone will die, the battalion commander can not do anything. Gutman pointed to a group of people heading for the trench. In the first of these, the battalion commander recognized the regiment commander, which is why he was not in the headquarters. Soon the trench was cramped, here came running Markin, checking out from the division headquarters.

Voloshin reported that the attack failed, the battalion withdrew. The commander asked sternly, who authorized? It was necessary to ask at the headquarters before making a responsible decision. Voloshin discouraged the lack of communication. Gunko began to swear, it is not he who is engaged in communication. Suddenly a veterinarian entered the conversation, declaring, according to a new charter, “the connection in parts is organized from the top down and from the right to the left.”

The regiment commander got angry, “literate”, and why the height is not taken. The battalion commander explained: without fire support, he is not going to ruin people. The major was even more angry, “compassionate,” and you do not care about orders? The battalion commander cut off that he did not feel sorry for himself, but he cared for people. Major dismissed Voloshin from command of the battalion, instead of him appointing Lieutenant Markin. Gunko ordered to take the height and by 13.00 to report. Voloshin asked how Markin would take the “Great” height, if the Germans beat him in the rear with “Malaya”? The major, almost mocking, replied: “To build a battalion and say: see the height? There will be lunch there.” There will be a kitchen for lunch. ” Suddenly, a major vet entered the squabble, expressing his disagreement with the removal of Voloshin from the battalion. But Gunko did not listen. “I’m the master here, and I make decisions. “Voloshin realized that with the diligence of the executive Markin, his battalion would be destroyed within a short time.” The captain asked about the projectiles for the battery, Gunko roughly replied that he would not give birth to shells, which was the concern of the artillery commander. “Ivanov retorted: not a shell factory. All that was, I spent. “The battalion commander questioned, but Ivanov categorically confirmed the absence of shells.” There was a painful silence, after which Gunko responded sternly, if there were no shells, then, in a plastunistic way, get closer to the enemy and throw grenades at him. Gunko replied that he did not give a damn about the opinion of the major, ordered everyone in the chain, the battery commander to keep up with the battalion commander, machine guns to advance forward, to the whole battalion crawling ahead! Markin took command, and to Voloshin with obvious clarity began to reach the fateful meaning of what is happening in this trench. It’s unlikely that Markin will cope with the duty. Voloshin said that there was no commander on the eighth company, and Kruglov was sent to the company there. Voloshin advised Markin not to try very hard, but he did not quite understand, because the order came. Voloshin replied: “Order by order, but do not try very hard.” Do you understand? ” In a trench the company was in a hurry, Voloshin went into the dugout. Order by order. But do not try very hard. Understand? “In a trench the company was in a hurry, Voloshin went into the dug-out. Order by order. But do not try very hard. Understand? “In a trench the company was in a hurry, Voloshin went into the dug-out.

Sitting in the dugout, he was thinking about the insidiousness of the frontline destiny, only yesterday he was congratulated with the order, and today he is already discharged from the command. Under other circumstances, he would have only sighed with relief, and now he could not simply throw out the lives of hundreds of people. Kizevich asked where the battalion commander had gone, was not he hurt? Kruglov explained the situation. Mouth swore, he without the “Minor” heights did not move, Markin ordered Kizevich to attack the “Low” altitude himself, while everyone would take the “Big”. Markin was in a hurry, he had to start an attack. Voloshin silently gave Gutman a missile with several cartridges. In Voloshin, the irritation arose against the regimental commander, who, having discharged the battalion commander, did not appoint him even to the company. The captain remembered how it all began. Accustomed to a certain degree of independence, Voloshin was angry with Gunko’s petty care, and could not reconcile with her. Then it turned out that the regimental commander was completely impatient with any independence. Voloshin blamed the major for everything, but in the army the boss is always right. “And the devil with him,” the captain thought angrily. After all, he does not fight for Gunko. There is a debt to the army, a great homeland, in front of its battalion in the first place.

There was a strong rumble in the direction of the sovkhoz, artillery preparation began. Now the German battery, exhausted all the morning by Voloshin’s battalion, transferred its fire to that flank of the regiment. There was a favorable moment for the battalion’s attack, and Markin did not miss it. For about five minutes the Germans remained silent, not noticing the battalion’s throw, or perhaps intentionally letting it get closer for a short dagger strike at close range. Then German mortars struck. Voloshin lay in the dugout and listened: soon there should be a turning point in one direction or another. He heard the desperate cry of the commander and realized that there was no luck. He could not sit here any longer and jumped out into the trench. Seventh company lost its battle formation, some fighters began to retreat to the swamp. Realizing that the battalion was bad, Voloshin rushed to meet the departing seventh company. He did not think he had no right to interfere, that everything that happens is not his concern, he thought only of the inevitable death of the battalion. Voloshin, rushing through the swamp, sharply and resolutely stopped the runner, but after the explosion of the mine, the fighter ran away. The captain shot twice over the head of the man running, imperiously ordered him to go back. It turned out to be Gaynatulin, he trembled forward. Before the height Voloshin met three more fighters, turned them. A wounded man was writhing in front, the captain ordered the two to take him to the medical station, and ran out of the bushes with the rest. Voloshin saw the machine-gunner of the seventh company, who reported on the death of Samokhin. The captain sent Denischik to return all those who sat in the bush to a height and then saw that Veretennikova was driving the men into the chain. Vera also saw the captain and, almost not bending down, approached him. The company seemed to be delayed, the fugitives returned. Collapsing into the funnel next to Voloshin, Faith burst into tears. He did not console her – it would be hypocrisy. She said that Samokhin was pushing forward, she was restrained in every way, and then he broke away and died almost under the very spiral of Bruno. After hearing Vera, the captain sent her to help Denischik to drive into the chain of weaklings. Veretennikova crawled into the chain. After hailing Gaynatulina, Voloshin rushed to the altitude.

It seemed that they had crawled forward for an eternity. Reaching the next funnel, they saw a machine gun. Voloshin, as a rescue, was delighted by this DShK. Preparing for battle, the captain discovered that a German trench was not visible from the crater. Covered with earth, lay two more cartridges of cartridges. It was necessary to open fire immediately. He saw that there was a hitch in the “Low” height, but it was far off to shoot. Nevertheless, Voloshin carefully aimed, the first queue was overdue, he corrected the sight and put three turns in a row. The top of the hill lit up from the gaps. The captain was delighted with his pre-war enthusiasm for machine-gun shooting, so useful now. Voloshin fired and shot at the flank of the German trench, remaining himself in relative safety. After the sixth or seventh line, when he had a good shot, Markin crashed into the crater. He was indignant that the captain was hitting the “Low” height. Voloshin replied that Kizevich was helping out. Markin angrily replied that he did not care about Kizevich-cha and his height-it was ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. He was indignant that the captain was hitting the “Low” height. Voloshin replied that Kizevich was helping out. Markin angrily replied that he did not care about Kizevich-cha and his height-it was ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. He was indignant that the captain was hitting the “Low” height. Voloshin replied that Kizevich was helping out. Markin angrily replied that he did not care about Kizevich-cha and his height-it was ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. that the captain beats at “Minor” height. Voloshin replied that Kizevich was helping out. Markin angrily replied that he did not care about Kizevich-cha and his height-it was ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. that the captain beats at “Minor” height. Voloshin replied that Kizevich was helping out. Markin angrily replied that he did not care about Kizevich-cha and his height-it was ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. Voloshin replied that Kizevich was helping out. Markin angrily replied that he did not care about Kizevich-cha and his height-it was ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. Voloshin replied that Kizevich was helping out. Markin angrily replied that he did not care about Kizevich-cha and his height-it was ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. that he does not care about Kizevich-cha and his heights-it is ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. that he does not care about Kizevich-cha and his heights-it is ordered to take the “Great.” Voloshin snapped: “Without taking that, you will not take this one!” Ivanov fell into the same funnel. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. Voloshin asked a couple of shells to throw at the “Low” height, but Markin categorically forbade. Voloshin showed that Kizevich was almost there. Markin was adamant: “nothing, will back down.” Voloshin understands that it is now easier for Kizevich to go forward than to retreat. He would have been helped by two projectiles, but Markin did not agree – it was his right. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed. Through the binoculars Voloshin saw: several fighters of the ninth company were in the German trench, for them everything would be decided there. Markin sat pale with anger, the connection broke, the telephone operator was killed.

The battalion commander sent Haynatulin. Voloshin explained to the newcomer what needs to be done, establishing communication. Taking advantage of the pause, Voloshin reloaded the machine gun, thought with irony, if he did not turn out the battalion commander, maybe he’ll get a machine gunner. The connection was renewed, Gaynatulin did not disappoint. But Ivanov did not see the goal from the funnel, it was necessary to advance. “So put forward,” – ordered Markin. After winding the wire, Ivanov fell out of the funnel. Left alone, Markin and Voloshin were silent silently. Voloshin asked if Markin knew that Samokhin had been killed and Vera had commanded the company. He answered in the affirmative. The captain was indignant that the pregnant Vera had to fulfill the duties of the company. Markin answered, no one here holds her, she herself remained. So… Voloshin got angry, Vera does not have a place in the battalion. He almost forgot, that an hour ago he himself sent Veretennikov to dispose of in the seventh company, but then he was no longer a battalion commander. Voloshin was sitting on the edge of the funnel and saw a wire stirring quietly at his feet, so Ivanov was still crawling forward. Then a wide loop of wire froze, now a volley will follow, but the battery was silent. “What does it mean?” asked Markin irritably. Voloshin became worried, he crawled out of the funnel and soon found Ivanov wounded, he wanted to bandage him. But Ivanov asked me to transmit the coordinates of the target. Voloshin loudly said on the phone said artilleryman, at the end, loudly shouted into the phone: “With all the shells fire! Open fire!” Then he dragged Ivanov to the saving funnel and bandaged it. At this time, the attack began. At first, the Germans seemed to be taken aback, even stopped mortar fire at the “Low” height, and the “Big” moved afraid. The Russians came very close to the trench, but the Germans opened a squall of machine-gun fire. Attackers one by one began to fall to the ground. Voloshin, sensing the density of fire, fell down behind the machine gun, hiding behind a shattered shield, then calmed down: at last they got hooked, and also rose to run to the trench.

A dozen fighters from the eighth and seventh mouths broke into the German trench. Voloshin in a hot sweat hardly reached a heavy machine gun and plunged into the aisle, choosing a position for bulky DShK.

The Germans began aiming to hit a large-caliber machine gun and throw mines. Voloshin realized that the relatively quiet time was lost, the battalion was divided into three parts, the battle was complicated, and now the Lord God could not foresee the outcome. In any case, a handful of fighters who broke into the German trench will soon have a hard time. Voloshin twisted his cigarette. Now, sitting in the trench, he gained confidence. The old worries flew away. He understood that the main tests are ahead. He was in the habitual role of a soldier and did not depend on either Gunko or Markin, but only from the Germans and himself. Above the trench, the machine-gun fire was cut, it seems that they were trying to kick them out of the trench, someone could not stand it, but running under this fire from the trench meant to die. Voloshin snatched out his pistol and, running several bends forward, came upon the soldier, who was sitting indecisively. A bayonet was attached to the rifle of the fighter. The captain sent the soldier to the machine gun. At the next turn, Voloshin nearly knocked Kruglov from his feet, followed by one more soldier. Throwing a grenade, he barely caught his breath. Two more came running out of the trench. In one of them Voloshin recognized Chernoruchenko and asked about Markin. The telephonist somewhere vaguely poked: there – and fired a rifle, the same shot with a pistol round. Voloshin began to navigate the situation. He ordered everyone to stay in place, the fighters had already gathered five. Somewhere ahead were Germans, showering parapets with continuous automatic bursts, and then toss grenades. Two exploded behind the turn, and the third Cher-Noruchenko contrived and threw back. Voloshin asked how many people ran? It turned out that the German dug-out was covered by soldiers who had not managed to jump out here, for turning the trench. Voloshin realized he was not fighting with the fighters to the dugout, the Germans would easily destroy them in turn. He ordered Kruglov to throw grenades along the trench and advance to the dugout. While shooting for the turn and running short distances, they advanced to the next turn. Grenades are over. It was necessary to jump out with an automatic rifle and shoot along the trench, to surprise the Germans with suddenness. Voloshin took off his canvas bag and threw it at the parapet: immediately there was a machine gun fire. Voloshin was the first to jump out of the turn and began to shower the backs of the fleeing Germans from the machine gun. Finally we reached the dugout. Voloshin gave a voice: “their”. Seated in the dugout were inspired, seeing the “battalion commander”. The captain ran until the next turn, and Kruglov ordered the men to leave the dugout. Realizing that the Germans had run away nearby, Voloshin ordered to dig in a trench a jumper, close access to enemies. Kruglov ordered to arm themselves with grenades: they were enough in the dugout and prepare to repel the German attack. The soldier who fought out of the dug-out called Voloshin. Entering the dugout and accustomed to the semi-darkness, the captain saw Markina wounded in the leg. Voloshin uttered to the “battalion commander” that he should not have so eagerly rushed forward: “Now do you understand the position of the battalion?” Markin said indifferently that he had already “understood”, now he is simply “wounded.” Voloshin responded that the lieutenant did not even think about wounding. He referred to the order: “They will order – you’ll climb, where the awl does not fit.” There was a war, hundreds of thousands of people died, human life seemed to lose its usual price and was determined only by the measure of damage inflicted on it by the enemy. But Voloshin could not agree with this, believing that ” the most valuable thing in war is a person’s life. And the more truly human in a person, the more important for him is his own life and the lives of those around him. “But no matter how dear life is, there are things higher than it, not even things, but concepts through which life at once lost value, became a subject of contempt for others and, perhaps, a burden to oneself, although it did not seem to concern Markin, he valued his life very much, regardless of the others. True, this did not apply to Markin, apparently. He valued his life very much, regardless of the others. True, this did not apply to Markin, apparently. He valued his life very much, regardless of the others.

After sitting in the dugout, Voloshin discovered that he was wounded, and he did not notice the battle in the heat of the moment. Avdushkin handed the battalion bandage to the battalion commander for dressing. Voloshin knew that Avdushkin was a member of Nagorny’s group, and asked about him. “Nagorny killed, his grenade killed,” – answered the fighter. He told how during the attack the fighters of Nagorny were all killed, only he remained, and even the wounded Fritz. A soldier at the door wanted to finish off the German, but Avdyushkin did not allow – this Fritz bandaged and saved, “tse good Fritz.” Wrapping a trifling wound on his arm, Voloshin listened to the sounds coming from above. He regretfully remembered the wounded Ivanov, left without help in the funnel. Now we must take command of the battalion, somehow fight off the Germans who are settling. Markin grimly asked: “With whom to fight back?” Voloshin answered: “With whom there is.” He ordered all weapons to be collected. In the dugout was a whole giver of German grenades. Voloshin climbed out into the trench-all rumbled on top and machine-guns fluttered along the slope, preventing the companies to rise, they should urgently help out from here, so that they could help them. Only by combining their efforts, they could save themselves and achieve something. The disunity was crystal-clear to death. The soldiers had already blocked the trench, having built a low-profile bridge, Voloshin ordered that they leave so, they should not fall asleep anymore, he counted more than a dozen fighters. If you use the shauza and use the grenades to get to the top, you can “plug the throat to that large-caliber a machine gun that broke the whole thing for them. “Kruglot asked if they were going to storm the trench?” Voloshin knew that there was no other way out. “It’s better to storm than to run away.” Kruglov feared that there was not enough strength, but new ones were not expected. Voloshin understood: he can not leave the heights after such sacrifices, but to sit means to perish. He had to act, he ordered to prepare for the assault.

Kruglov, followed by Voloshin, Chernoruchenko and the rest prepared for the throw. Ahead of the trench was empty. Voloshin did not like it very much: the Germans could not abandon the trench, so they were waiting somewhere, waiting for the machine gun. So ran to the turn, where the trench was divided into two arms: one was the same course, the other took it sharply aside. Voloshin went straight ahead, and Kruglov pointed to the departing to the side. Almost immediately after Voloshin heard explosions and screams from the trench where Kruglov went, from there jumped two soldiers and wounded Kruglov. Circle-lova Voloshin ordered to carry. The fighters took turns and threw several grenades behind the turn of the trench, but the machine gun from there mowed and mowed, had to retreat. Voloshin realized that he overestimated his strength: with a dozen fighters he did not take a trench, ordered to disperse for the turns, the soldiers held back the advancing enemies. The last soldier Voloshin detained near him, ordering him to take two grenades. I had to closely monitor the actions of the enemy. Voloshin shot a turn, there was a shadow cast. By shouting around the bend it became clear that the Germans were pressing a lot. Just as they have recently, now they have been consistently and methodically kicked out by grenades. Voloshin tried to remember how many more turns left behind – in these bends there was all their possibility, the price and the measure of their lives, the other was not foreseen. The battalion commander ordered the soldier to throw a grenade and retreat, but the fighter gave the opportunity to leave Voloshin, and he himself remained to cover the battalion commander. Then Voloshin covered him. Everyone moved to the dugout. The Germans were now pressing on both sides. Dugout in this situation – not salvation, but a common grave. But what was to be done? All gradually gathered in the dugout, fired back, lying on the steps and putting out the barrels of assault rifles. There was a short pause, and Voloshin heard how they were supported by their own, not allowing the Germans to block the dugout on top. It was the feasible help of his battalion, and the battalion commander’s heart warmed with gratitude because they were lying downstairs. Now the main task was to prevent the Germans from throwing a grenade into the dugout, letting them tear off as much as they please. Voloshin shot from the pistol, and when the cartridges ran out, the wounded soldier lay down in his place. At this time, Chernoruchenko fired along the trench from the machine gun. Looking at his watch, the battalion commander saw that it was 15.40. Until the evening there was very little, it would be good to hold out, to raise the battalion, but probably there was almost no one to rise. Lying at the door of the soldiers again fiercely earned automatic weapons. The Germans aimed the grenade and black-ruchenko jerked, dropping his weapon. Voloshin caught his PPSCH, recoiling from the rocking door. The soldiers closed the door of the dug-out, and the battalion fired three turns through the boards. One of the wounded began to cry and cry, that an imminent end had come, but the battalion commander reassured them: they would still hold out. They have their armor-their native land-try it! The dugout shook from the nearby explosions of grenades, the whole door was cut by shrapnel. Voloshin waited for her to collapse, spilled into splinters, and then… But the door held. Grenades were tearing apart, not closer than three meters. They were “defended” by two dead, covering themselves with a dugout, preventing grenades from sliding down. and the battalion commander issued three turns through the boards. One of the wounded began to cry and cry, that an imminent end had come, but the battalion commander reassured them: they would still hold out. They have their armor-their native land-try it! The dugout shook from the nearby explosions of grenades, the whole door was cut by shrapnel. Voloshin waited for her to collapse, spilled into splinters, and then… But the door held. Grenades were tearing apart, not closer than three meters. They were “defended” by two dead, covering themselves with a dugout, preventing grenades from sliding down. and the battalion commander issued three turns through the boards. One of the wounded began to cry and cry, that an imminent end had come, but the battalion commander reassured them: they would still hold out. They have their armor-their native land-try it! The dugout shook from the nearby explosions of grenades, the whole door was cut by shrapnel. Voloshin waited for her to collapse, spilled into splinters, and then… But the door held. Grenades were tearing apart, not closer than three meters. They were “defended” by two dead, covering themselves with a dugout, preventing grenades from sliding down. and then… But the door stood. Grenades were tearing apart, not closer than three meters. They were “defended” by two dead, covering themselves with a dugout, preventing grenades from sliding down. and then… But the door stood. Grenades were tearing apart, not closer than three meters. They were “defended” by two dead, covering themselves with a dugout, preventing grenades from sliding down.

At the wall, Markin was worried anxiously, taking out the documents from the bag and setting them on fire in a small fire. “A prudent fellow,” Voloshin thought unkindly. He also had some papers to be destroyed, but he kept pulling on something hoping. Markin demanded from the battalion commander a map with the situation of the battalion, which had already changed greatly in the last twenty-four hours, the Captain silently threw the card to Markin. Some of the men began throwing their documents into this fire. And the Germans delayed, did not appear in the trench at the dugout. Voloshin suddenly saw smoke, but it was a dense gray smoke cloud, quickly filling the trench. The tinged, suffocating chemical smell penetrated the dugout. One of the men shouted that the Germans had used gas. Nearly no one had gas masks – they were stored in a baggage train. Stumbling in the hands of his overcoat, Voloshin made short sighs… He did not immediately realize that one of the soldiers was passing him a gas mask. But the captain was not ready to be saved alone, when the others die.

“I’m a battalion commander, I’m a battalion commander!” – Suddenly cried Markin. Voloshin harshly asked: “What, you want to escape? Give the gas mask to the lieutenant.” Markin began to justify himself that he could not be saved, but he, Markin, appointed general of the battalion. Voloshin indignantly squeezed: “What you care about!” Markin did not answer and did not take the gas mask. Voloshin was struck by the ridiculously broken ambition of the lieutenant. One gas mask can not save them. Lying with tears from the gas, Voloshin slid down the steps to the end and realized that he was living. He did not know what kind of gas the Germans used, but death did not come. Someone stepped resolutely through the bodies outside. Cries were heard to detain the German. Voloshin rushed after him, but stumbled and fell. Meanwhile, the German managed to hide, the captain only slashed the line from the machine into the smoke haze of the trench. He did not have time to get up, as again fell, knocked down with a man running in the smoke. Realizing that it was a German, Voloshin released the whole store to the enemy that had fled back. Ahead of me was a guttural speech and fuss. Grenades were bursting nearby, sketchy lines were heard. Without realizing anything, Voloshin jumped up and rushed to the nearest tributary of the trench. Behind him he heard familiar foul language and realized that the rest of the men had started to jump out of the dug-out after him. Running at random was reckless, but he needed at least a breath of clean air, instead of which a choking sour smoke poured down the trench. The queues were not point-blank, the Germans also disappeared somewhere. Emboldened, Voloshin shambled farther, he did not have enough strength to call for the fighters. From behind it was heard: “Here, here!” The head wind blew, and soon the captain caught his breath and staggered to the side, where he left the company in the morning and where his battalion was. Kizevich overtook him, happily and clumsily batting the battalion commander, confessed that he did not expect to see Voloshin alive: “But we buried you.” As they saw that the Germans are frying you… “Kizevich explained that his company entered the Germans in the rear and drove them from a height. Voloshin thought that he was still a good commander of the ninth company. Someone from the men showed Kizevich to the fleeing Germans. Grodno shouted: “What are you, what do you want? Voloshin thanked Kizevich for his timely help. Marshal replied that we should thank the general: “I went to the KP and popered.” All of them! “So he joked that the strength had come from, he did not expect, and only three wounded.” Kizevich said that Gunko was removed from the command of the regiment, he was replaced by Minenko. Voloshin nodded in satisfaction. Mouth asked about Markin, whether he was alive? “

It was quiet, like last night. Voloshin buried the dead. Aligning the funnel, which deepened the trench, two wounded men and two from the commandant’s platoon took the dead from the slope of the hill. “Not very neat, but in a good place, with a wide view to the rear… German lines did not fly here, and nothing more disturbed the detached peace of the dead.” The extreme put Kruglov, Voloshin stood silently, Gutman was managing everything efficiently. After Voloshin’s dismissal, the orderly, in order not to go to Markin, escaped to the ninth company where, on his own initiative, he headed a platoon of newcomers. When attacked, he was wounded in the neck, but he did not go to the medical unit. Markina with a shot tibia was sent to the rear.

Counting eighteen dead, Gutman was upset that the grave was not enough. They brought one more body. With a flashlight, Voloshin froze: “Faith.” She died in the spiral of Bruno. “That’s what happens,” thought Voloshin, relaxed straightening, “There was not enough perseverance to send out of the battalion in time, now please – bury it in the ground…” Samokhin lay in the grave with a shot through his head, Vera, his front-line love, unmarried and undocumented company wife. And with them will remain the unborn third. Voloshin swallowed a heavy lump in his throat. The captain was afraid that they were about to bring Ivanov, but he was not among the dead, nor was he in the funnel, where Voloshin was tying it up during the day. Perhaps the battery commander had time to send to the rear, after the injury, no one had seen it here. Gaynatulina was buried. ” Here is another acquaintance, – thought the captain, – that means, the German bullet did not pass him. You did not have much to experience this war, dear fighter, although you tested it with full measure. In one day he lived through everything, from cowardice to heroism, but how he died – it is not known. “The battalion commander ordered to bandage the dead and mutilated Chernoruchenko, while Gutman, standing in the grave, quickly wrapped his head and face with a bandage, began to bury the others. next to put the medical instructor Veretennikova. “Let them lie. There will be no one to be afraid of, “Gutman muttered, Voloshin thought:” Nobody is afraid of anything already, they have already been afraid. ” from cowardice to heroism, but how it died – it is not known. “The battalion commander ordered to bandage the dead and mutilated Chernoruchenko, while Gutman, standing in the grave, quickly wound the head and face of Chernoruchenko with a bandage, began to bury the others. “Let them lie. There will be no one to be afraid of, “Gutman muttered, Voloshin thought:” Nobody is afraid of anything already, they have already been afraid. ” from cowardice to heroism, but how it died – it is not known. “The battalion commander ordered to bandage the dead and mutilated Chernoruchenko, while Gutman, standing in the grave, quickly wound the head and face of Chernoruchenko with a bandage, began to bury the others. “Let them lie. There will be no one to be afraid of, “Gutman muttered, Voloshin thought:” Nobody is afraid of anything already, they have already been afraid. ” muttered Gutman. Voloshin thought: “Nobody is afraid of anything, they have already been afraid.” muttered Gutman. Voloshin thought: “Nobody is afraid of anything, they have already been afraid.”

The dead were placed in two rows, Gainatulina squeezed into a narrow gap at the head of the bed.

“And what’s wrong with it?” Said Gutman, “Separately, but as a commander.”

The burial was over, it remained to bury the grave and build an earthen mound, into which tomorrow the logs would dig a boarded plywood pyramid with a star. The battalion will go further, when it receives an order to advance, new fighters, officers will replenish, and even those who survived this infernal battle and remember those whom they buried. And then there will be absolutely no one left. Only the number of the regiment, battalion numbers, and somewhere in the distance of the military past as smoke, their frontal fate will melt away.

Having fulfilled their duty to the dead, the living lit up. Gutman said that he did not expect to survive, but he had to dig in others. Voloshin remained silent, not supporting a talkative orderly. With some big chunk in his life his difficult commander’s past passed away, and just about to begin a new one. Today, he fully had enough of the soldier’s dashingness and paid his bloody pay for this top of the ground that had been beaten to the ground.

Voloshin thought where to go, he was wounded and formally had the right to go to sanrot, where for a week or two they could send him to the medical battalion. It was tempting to get some sleep and rest. But if there could be forgotten about all the experience, erase from memory what will gnaw and torment. He knew that rear peace for a day or two will get tired, and he will tear himself into battle – this is his frontal fate, except that he has nothing else. Another, for trouble or for happiness, is not given to him.

Gutman first saw and showed the captain to Jim who was running towards them. The dog rushed to his master’s chest, almost knocking him off his feet, licked his rough cheek. After the experience, Jim’s discovery turned out to be a long, unappreciated joy. Gutman pointed to a snippet of a leash: “He broke off from them. “The beast is not the word, Gutman,” Voloshin answered, seating the dog beside him. Quickly calming down, Jim habitually “cut his ears,” gently looking around. Voloshin ordered Gutman to escort the wounded to the hospital. The orderly was surprised that the wounded battalion commander remained. They said goodbye, hoping to see each other again.

Clicking Jim, Voloshin went to his battalion. No matter what was waiting for him there, it did not matter how he would continue. The main thing is to be with those with whom he was in agony on the way to this trench. And let it not for them battalion commander, what does it change? He is their friend. Generals are not powerful over his humanity. Because Man sometimes, in spite of everything, becomes higher than fate and, therefore, above the mighty power of chance.

He walked wearily to the nearby summit. The war continued.

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“Commander of the 294th Infantry Regiment Hero of the Soviet Union Major Voloshin Nikolai Ivanovich was killed on March 24, 1945 and is buried in a mass grave located 350 meters north-west of the village of Steindorf.”