Robinsterle is a very common small German city, with a square garden of less than five square kilometers, but the geographical location is very important.

As a result, Robinsterle became a thorn in the side of the Russians, and intelligence showed that the Russian Marshal Lovelocksky had repeatedly ordered the Russian 3rd Army to conquer this important town.

In order to clear the shooting boundary, the buildings on the outskirts of Robinsteral were demolished by the engineer company as early as 1 month ago. Thanks to the patriotic zeal of the residents, who selflessly assisted the German army in building and reinforcing the fortifications, but many of the fortifications were not coordinated with the military and became useless decorations.

In general, the positions of the German army can be regarded as open bunkers, underground bunkers, and fire support points; Minefields, anti-tank trenches, barbed wire are dense. The 1st Motorized Rifle Company, which was a veteran of the Second World War and had joined the German army during the Second World War, was stationed in the first line of defense in Robinster's commercial district to resist the main onslaught of the Russians; The 2nd Grenadier Company guarded this very important strategic stronghold in the factory area; The regimental engineer company guarded residential areas, recreation areas and the Higenke Bridge. The 4th Supply Company was responsible for the logistics of the city: the "Kolfi" tank battle group was the main force of armored defense, and in fact the mobilization of this armored force had to be personally authorized by the commander of the fortress, General Rasch.

In Hewitt's memory, there had never been a night as long as this night since the war began...... At dusk that day, Hewitt stayed in the bunker of the battalion command post, by the dim candlelight. Staring at the map on the podium for a long time......

The situation could not have been more obvious, the Germans at Königsberg had only four infantry divisions and eight people's assault battalions, totaling only 35,000 men. Air Force support exists in name only. The Russians, who surrounded the Germans, had a total of 137,000 men, including five hundred and thirty tanks and self-propelled guns, and four dozen aircraft of up to 700 aircraft as air support.

Recalling the bold words of General Miller who had promised the Germans in a very brisk tone three days earlier in the basement of the University of Königsberg that Königsberg would not only be able to hold it, but that the general himself would personally drive the enemy out of the German territory, Hewitt laughed dismissively. "It's a dream! I think...... Probably we're all crazy! ”

Robinster's situation was even more suffocating, and the people inside the command post looked at Hewitt silently, and no one spoke.

At 7 o'clock in the evening. The Germans received accurate information from the reconnaissance battalion of the brother troops, and it was the 149th Infantry Division of the 13th Army of the Russian 3rd Army and the 104th Division of the 54th Tank Army that were going to attack the German defense area. It is believed that the Russians were well prepared for the attack on Königsberg, and their outposts carried out a full-fledged combat reconnaissance of the perimeter of Königsberg.

The Russian army even sent the Königsberg map down to the platoon commander level, on which each block was marked with numbers, streets and control points. For the briefing of the senior commander. A 1:3000 scale Königsberg sand table was also made. The followers in the organization of the Free German Committee were also fully utilized. Or infiltrate the city disguised as soldiers and civilians to eavesdrop on phones and conversations.

Just after eight o'clock, the guns burst out. Hewitt's defense area was first attacked by the Russian special attack team was the armored reserve "Colfi" tank battle group deployed between the commercial area and the factory area. I really don't know where these Russians infiltrated from!

While the enemy may be a small group of harassment, the panicked, scurrying residents complicate matters. Hewitt immediately had a telephone conversation with the commander of the "Kolfi" tank battle group, the commander of the 1st Commando Squadron of the Kolfi, and ordered Captain Kolfi to immediately disengage from the enemy, not to expend valuable tank resources in such irregular operations, and to withdraw the tank group to the bunker concealment and maintenance center in the defense area for replenishment or repair.

Before the official start of the battle, it was the armored units that were the first to be attacked, and an ominous haze hung over Hewitt's mind, and Hewitt reported the situation to the regimental headquarters; At the same time, the deputy battalion commander was already drafting an emergency order. In order for the companies to comply immediately.

Information from the regimental headquarters was that the 1st Battalion of Hewitt's reconnaissance battalion had exchanged fire with the enemy, and that the 75th Guards Regiment and the 561st Infantry Division of the friendly neighborhood had also been attacked at the same time; Army Group Zemland was even more heavily bombed. Communication is lost. It seems that this is a prelude to a large-scale offensive.

Anxiety and hesitation, waiting and patience did not begin until ten o'clock, when the expected enemy bombardment began. In an instant, it was dark and deafening, and the whole city of Robinstere seemed to have reached the end of the world, the earth was trembling, and life was as fragile as leaves swaying in a raging storm.

"Concealment! Be hidden!! ”

The artillery fire turned the night sky hideous and terrifying, and such a heavy shelling began on 6 February. Hewitt had a premonition that there would be unfortunate news, and sure enough, the first came the bad news that the headquarters of a German regiment had been destroyed by Russian long-range artillery fire. More than sixty shells blew the bunker to pieces, no one was spared, and the German connection with the higher command was completely cut off. The guards then brought in a wolfhound, which brought back a letter for help from the SS Colfi battle group.

The candles on the command platform in the bunker were knocked over by artillery fire, and after a brief period of darkness, Captain Law, the head of discipline, re-lit the extinguished candles, and the suffocating and smoky air seemed to be thinner and thinner under the candlelight, and the people in the bunker coughed violently.

Hewitt leaned close to the candlelight and read the letter again from beginning to end: It turned out that after the scuffle two hours earlier, the "Kolfi" tank battle group, which was the power of the defense machine, moved to a safe place in order to protect civilians, and did not withdraw to the designated place as required by the order, and the "Black Knight" platoon, including the company commander of Kolfi, took the wrong path under the guidance of Russian agents disguised as civilians. The company commander's car had been destroyed, four of the remaining five tanks had been severely damaged, and the Russians had cut off and besieged a small settlement codenamed "A" outside the city. The Russian army did not attack the settlements for the time being because they did not know the reality, if it lasted until dawn. These unworkable tanks were sure to be quickly taken out by the Russian infantry. The "Black Jazz" platoon, which had lost its ability to communicate and maneuver, had to rely on the "Black Jazz" platoon commander's dog to bring back a letter for help. The words of the letter revealed the desperation and hope of the entire platoon.

Personally, Hewitt is reluctant to lose this group of lovely warriors who used to get along day and night! Company Commander Colfi and Black Sizz Platoon Commander were both old Hewitt comrades-in-arms. * They developed a deep fighting camaraderie with each other in the midst of fierce battles. Moreover, the upcoming battle for Robinsteral was bound to be very fierce, and the Germans needed this armor force very much.

The presence of tanks not only boosts the morale of the own side, but also has a deterrent effect on the Russians. What is even worse is that the tanks of the "Black Jazz" tank platoon originally belonged to the 505th Heavy Armored Battalion, and when this heavy armored battalion and the 5th Panzer Division were transferred to Army Group Zemland, Admiral Rasch risked killing his head and intercepted them under the pretext of "mechanical failure" and "battle damage".

In this situation of great disparity between the strength of the enemy and the enemy. The average commander would choose to give up, and it is obviously unrealistic and irresponsible to let more troops risk rescuing the trapped tank platoon. Hewitt looked at the map repeatedly. After careful and careful analysis and weighing, Hewitt came to the conclusion that in the dark of night, taking advantage of the familiar terrain and the fact that the Russians did not know the reality and other advantages, with his rich combat experience, it was not impossible to rescue the "Black Jazz" platoon; Moreover, Hewitt had to give an account of the instructions from his superiors that the new equipment should not fall into the hands of the enemy.

There's not much time to think about the consequences of failure. Hewitt finally decided to lead the team himself. Ride alone to rescue the Black Jazz Platoon, as it would be uneasy to send anyone else to Hewitt.

It was a crazy decision! Hewitt informed the people in the battalion command of his idea and decided to temporarily hand over command to the deputy battalion commander, Wehrmacht Captain Bartels.

"It's crazy! It won't work out! "The deputy battalion commander, Captain Bartels, was brave and experienced in combat, and was fully qualified to take command of the command given to him by Hewitt, but he expressed firm opposition.

"Now I'm the Supreme Commander here!" The status of the captain of the 1st SS commando group gave Hewitt the possibility to carry out his intentions, "The German SS will never give up their robes!" ”

"Mr. Captain, this will not help. I think you should take full responsibility for Robinster's safety......" Captain Bartels argued.

"Captain Bartels, I don't think there is a contradiction between the two. I will be back before dawn, and I have full confidence in you in your command during my absence......"

After a verbal exchange of opinions, Hewitt was able to convince the commanders of the battalion to accept his decision.

"Captain Law, please shoot two green flares!"

"Yes, sir!" Director of Discipline Laws walked out of the bunker with a flare gun.

Hewitt briefly handed over command to Captain Bartels. At this moment, the communications corps came running to report that the contact with the 1st Company, which had been interrupted during the shelling, had just been connected.

The commander of the first company, Captain Dickman, reported on the phone: They are being covered by heavy Russian artillery fire, and the casualties cannot be counted! According to the forward observation posts, the Russians are forcibly clearing the minefield with artillery fire, the minefield has been severely damaged by enemy artillery fire, and the enemy forces are showing signs of an imminent all-out attack on Robinster.

"I'm Captain Bartels, the deputy battalion commander, and now I'm exercising Robinster's defensive command! I ask you to intensify your surveillance of the enemy, and after the shelling ceases or extends, you should enter the position with some of your forces to form a defense, maintain a good reserve, and organize and conceal the anti-tank demolition team......" Captain Bartels' proper command made Hewitt feel at ease to carry out the rescue plan.

After a while, the Russian shelling stopped, and Hewitt looked at his watch, and the time was 10:45. In the darkness of the night, for the first time, the Russian night bomber group formation appeared in the sky over Robinster's City! Thinking of the tank platoon waiting for reinforcements in Settlement A, Hewitt couldn't care so much anymore and rushed to his "Leopard VII" command tank.

The crew, which had been notified to attack, had been refueled and ammunition and was ready to wait for Hewitt, and the commander, Sergeant Popolsky, took hands to help Hewitt board the tank.

"Sir, where are you going?" Hoffman, the adjutant who had just returned from passing orders out to deliver orders, was also Hewitt's old subordinate, and he chased him out and asked.

"Out of town!"

Hoffman looked around. Dumbfounded, he asked, "Are you crazy?" It's up to you...... A tank? ”

His words reminded Hewitt that people are too busy and unwise! Hewitt turned around and shouted at Adjutant Hoffman, "You call the refurbishment platoon." Dispatch a repair truck and wait for me at the first intersection out of town. To bring enough spare parts, we have four tanks that need to be repaired. ”

"Of course...... But? Hoffman couldn't believe his ears, "Are you sure you're not mistaken?" Just a tank? Also, take a repair car out of town? ．．．．．．”

"Yes!" Hewitt's gaze was very determined.

"Are you drunk? Still don't want to live anymore? ”

"Nope!" Hewitt chuckled conceitedly, "I'm just going for a ride, I'll be back before dawn......"

"You're just crazy! ．．．．．． When Russians are idiots? Hoffman's voice was small, but Hewitt heard it.

Hewitt wouldn't blame him: "How can you be an SS if you're not crazy?!" Please do my orders......"

Hewitt confidently arranged the knight's medal at the neckline. Got into the tank, casually closed the roof of the turret, and shouted to the crew, "Guys. Let's go—"

At the first intersection, Hewitt saw the repair car waiting there, and he smiled knowingly, hehe. This is Germany's efficiency!

Sergeant Hesky, the commander of the repair vehicle, paced around the repair vehicle in a restless manner. As soon as Hewitt's car appeared. He ran over quickly, climbed into the tank and asked urgently, "Sir,...... My car may not have as many accessories as you ask for,...... Besides, sir, where are we going? ”

"To fix the car, of course!" Hewitt grinned and handed him a cigarette.

"Hehe~~ What? Where is it? Sergeant Hesky was infected by Hewitt's smile.

"Our 'Destroyer' tank broke down outside the city. Go get them right! If you can't get it right, you will dismantle it, and you will starve not a single part and not want to leave it to the damned Russians! ”

"What a shame!" Once the task is clarified. Sergeant Hesky quickly jumped out of the tank with a cigarette in his mouth and ran to his own repair vehicle.

There was a loud thunderous sound in the air, the Russian planes flying at night began to bombard the German positions on a large scale, and the buildings that had long been in ruins were once again ravaged, and the Russian pilots seemed to vent their anger through indiscriminate bombardment.

Several enemy planes set their sights on the small German convoy driving on the strategic highway in Robinstall, and they dived down again and again, dropping bombs and strafing, and the only cover for the Germans was night and speed.

The German driver was Corporal Ziegler, who had won the Iron Cross, and under his pilot, the "Leopard VII" tank gave full play to its superior maneuverability, pausing and retreating sharply and slowly, and bombs exploded everywhere in the front and rear of the tank, as if every next time the Germans would be hit, but every time the Germans were in great distress. Skillful driving skills can really save lives!

The enemy planes dropped all the bombs, but the Germans were unscathed, and they flew away helplessly.

The Germans had finally reached the end of the strategic road, and the tanks had slowed down, because ahead were minefields laid by the Germans and enemy positions.

Hewitt looked through the rearview mirror, and fortunately, the repair car was still following behind! Hewitt was secretly rejoicing when he suddenly saw Sergeant Hesky, the captain of the repair car, shouting, gesturing, "There's an enemy plane at six o'clock—"

Hewitt immediately adjusted the angle of the viewing scope, and sure enough, the most cunning enemy plane swooped down from the rear of the tank, and "Whew-" Two black bombshells fell in a sway......

"Accelerate! Hasten! "Speed is life! There is no other choice! The commander, Sergeant Popolsky, was shouting orders as the tank shook violently and leaped forward. "Boom-" The two bombs hit the ground and exploded almost simultaneously, and the tank weighing dozens of tons was shocked and jumped.

"I was hit! Hit! The driver cried and pleaded in despair.

Sensing that the cabin was filled with dust instead of choking smoke, Hewitt's nervous heart relaxed, "Shut up, you idiot!" ”

The commander, Sergeant Popolsky, shouted excitedly: "Sir, look at the ———— of the road"

Hewitt looked through the rearview mirror and saw that the bombs had hit two four-story buildings on either side of the road, both of which had collapsed, and the German tanks had almost been buried underneath.

The strategic highway has been blocked by the ruins of collapsed buildings! It would take several days to clean up such a large pile of construction debris, and the Germans did not have to worry about Russian tanks taking advantage of the strategic highway for the time being.

"Hehe, look at the good things the Russian pilots have done!"

"Check the damage to the tank!" Sergeant Popolsky delivered the instructions very professionally.

Two minutes later, Hewitt got a report from the commander, and there was nothing serious, except for minor damage to the tank hull; However, the repair car in the back seems to be gone. In fact, there was no point in moving on without a repair car, but Hewitt didn't want to give up like that, and without even thinking in his head, Hewitt was determined to keep going. I took a look at the luminous watch and it's 11:28.

"Forward!" Hewitt gave the order firmly and briefly: "Turn off all lights, drive at low speeds, and keep the radio silent." (To be continued......)