Portartur. 1940

The squadron stood on the outer roadstead in three lines: in the north – the battleships “Petropavlovsk”, “Poltava”, “Sevastopol”; in the south – the cruisers Angara, Diana, Pallada, Bayan and Askold; in the middle between the two groups are the handsome battleships Peresvet, Pobeda, Retvizan, and Tsesarevich.

The destroyers Thunderbolt and Fearless cruised along the line of long-distance protection. Cruiser “Novik” and “Boyar” stood near the shore.

A light southerly wind enveloped the ships with a warm mist. By ten o’clock at night there was silence, which was disturbed only by a slight splashing of the waves.

Around midnight there was an explosion of a mine at the port side of the Retvizan. A minute later, the Tsesarevich opened fire on the Japanese torpedoes rushing at him. Following this, volleys of rapid fire rang out from other ships.

Huge pillars of water soared near the “Tsarevich” and “Pallas.” The unfortunate vessels lurched and, choosing anchors, headed towards the harbor entrance. Enemy destroyers pursued the “Cesarevich”, but were met with amicable fire from ship guns. A few minutes later one of them sank. The rest turned back.

Wounded “Retvizan” first went to the Tiger Tail and buried his nose on the shore. At the “Tsesarevich” they did not become confused and filled the corresponding compartments with water in time, otherwise the battleship would turn over.

The inhabitants of Arthur took the first shots of the outbreak of war for practice shooting.

In the army rose turmoil. The commandant of the fortress Stessel arrived at the headquarters.

– All rotam immediately take shore batteries.

“Your Excellency, there is no disposition,” said the chief of staff.

Stoessel’s eyes widened, his mouth parted, his fat chin sagged.

– Ugliness! – Stoessel swore. – It was necessary to think about it before. Would develop and submit for review and approval… Call and send messengers so that each company takes the appropriate battery and guards the approaches to it.

“What company and what battery?” Which flank to strengthen?

– Children’s questions. The chief of staff and company commanders themselves must know their business. Do I have the right to rely on their ingenuity and quickness?

– They have nothing to do with it. Your Excellency should have all the threads in his hands and a plan developed with your participation.

– Give me these threads, give me these threads! – Stoessel grabbed his head and ran out of the headquarters.

Sea battle subsided. From the starry sky breathed calm. Stoessel stopped: he did not know where to go and where to begin the defense of the fortress.

Awakened garrison clutched his guns. Many companies came to positions only with sentry cartridges. The soldiers saw the confusion of the officers and decided to discard the enemy with bayonets.

Lykov ran veya night along the embankment. And at dawn I saw aground ships damaged.

– The three main combat units lost overnight. Awful – He looked at the harbor, at the narrow strait into the sea, – These fools will all go to hell. Nikolay Stepanovich here! The captain is wearing glasses here!.. Things, how many things! I’ll run to arrange my own…

Near the gate leading to the port, there were police officers. A drunken lieutenant with two ladies came to them.

– I told you that it was educational shooting. See what a clear and calm morning. And you got scared and shouted: “To the station, rather to the station!”

The lieutenant laughed out loud. Approaching him approached him.

“Let me tell you, the war has begun.” “Tsesarevich”, “Retvizan”, “Pallas” undermined by enemy mines.

The sailor shuddered and, glancing at the entrance to the harbor, fled at the gate of the port, without saying a word to his ladies.

2

At 10 hours and 35 minutes in the morning on January 27, the cruiser “Boyar”, returning from intelligence, brought the news of the approach of the enemy squadron of fifteen combat units.

The meeting with the governor stopped, and everyone hurried to their seats. Admiral Stark arrived on the flagship with the first shots at the enemy. General Stoessel went to the Electric Cliff, the governor wanted to watch the battle from the Golden Mountain.

Japanese fire was aimed mainly at our ships. Several enemy shells flew over coastal fortifications and exploded on Mount Perepelina.

Huge clouds of smoke from simple powder, which was still used by the Russians on mortar batteries, covered the Golden Mountain. After each shot, white smoke rings jumped up and then slowly floated toward the bay.

With an electric cliff fired from long-range guns. They threw out long flames. Instead of smoke, yellow dust flashed over the battery.

Our and Japanese ships fired continuously. “Novik” and “Bayan”, despite the fire concentrated on them, kept on keeping in front, without ceasing to respond to the enemy.

There were fires in many Japanese courts. Electric cliff hit the enemy, but the shells of the remaining coastal batteries before the enemy ships did not reach.

The fight lasted thirty minutes. The Japanese retreated. It was the first attack by the Russians on the Kwantung Peninsula.

Chapter six

one

In the second battery, the message about the outbreak of war was made by the battery commander, Colonel Mehmandarov, a short man with a proud posture. His mustache was famously curled, his thick beard split in half. Hard, red-streaked eyes looked stubbornly. In a long knee-length uniform, in boots with round hard tops, he looked like a museum mannequin.

Throwing his hands back, he stood in the middle of the barracks in front of the line and said in a hoarse voice:

– The war has begun. Get ready for a hike. We are facing combat trials. Anyone who truly loves his homeland and father-king will show the valor of the Russian arms to the whole world.The Japanese are not alone. Starting a war, they hope for the support of other states and especially of England. The batteries of our division will face the very first Japanese, because you and I are close to the border. A few days later we will march towards an insidious enemy. We have to perform difficult and responsible tasks. You, battery riders, gunners, bombardiers, gunners and fireworks, I know how well done, well prepared for firing from our beautiful guns. The Japanese do not have such guns in the field artillery. We will undoubtedly have an advantage in accuracy and range. Our 1902 model guns are improved. The motherland and the emperor hope that you will show the enemy the strongest resistance, using your strength and ingenuity in difficult moments. You will cruelly persecute him when he falters and runs… So, ahead, to victories and royal awards! I wish you to return whole and healthy… Hooray!

Podkovin saw Mehmandarov for the first time. In January, due to illness, he never showed up at the barracks. According to the soldiers, Mehmandarov was an extravagant, evil man. An old bachelor, he lived alone in a huge apartment. His batman was very tight: thousands of quibbles per day. In addition, the colonel had hemorrhoid surgery a few days ago. Once the sergeant-major assigned to him a soldier of the 1903 Arshinov draft, a big quitter and a dandy. Not even one day passed before Arshinov returned.

– What’s the matter? – asked his comrades.

– I come. Asks: parents are alive, where are they? I say – in hard labor. For what? Cried the commander. – A visiting man was killed off… He looked at me, grunted and sent me back. So I did not have to, thanks to God, candles from hemorrhoids, he put.

“How will such well-trained campaigners behave on the battlefield?” Thought Podkovin, failing after the end of the message.

2

Ten days later, Podkovin received a letter from her sister.

“Dear Tikhon! We are very sad. The war has begun, and you will soon be in Manchuria. Perhaps the letter will not find you. We hope to receive letters from you more often. We will know where you are. Our letters are unlikely to reach – you will be shifting all the time – and we will definitely receive yours. We have nothing special happened. Mom cried heavily on the day of the declaration of war. Varya enrolled in a voluntary squad of sisters and soon leaves for the front. After your departure, she behaves closed, lost weight, We all discouraged her, but she did not obey. Maybe it’s all for the better: you now have your own sister of mercy.

I did not understand you, why did you dry out Varya dryly? Even if you don’t love her, she is your childhood friend. You did not want to commit yourself… Girls, and women in general, do not forgive such delicate calculation and circulation. In case of Vari, I would have spat on you – that’s all… I remember you saying that you would not marry before returning from military service. The statement is good, but still Varyu should be petted… A year ago, she was jealous of you for Vale, and when she left, she calmed down. Yes, and we all decided: Valya will not wait for you, but the main thing is that she is not a couple to you. Varya swore in front of me is waiting for you. “Come what may,” she said.

By the way, in the last letters from Harbin, Valya asks about you. We told her where you are. Levers not married. He made me a second offer, He is a good man, but I cannot become his wife.

Sworn attorney Zverev was very requested to convey his regards to you, Delusto was appointed a member of the court. He said that when you went to a session in the city of Far, a local big merchant Lykov came to his room and said: “Give me your employee Tikhon Podkovina. I have a big deal, of national importance, but there are no honest people. What does he get from you?”-“Received fifteen, but will receive twenty-five, “Delyusto told him. – “Ugh, you, abyss! At such a penny place, and such a valuable person got”. “How do you know him?” Asked Delyusto. – “Chance helped. Inovs from Harbin telegraphed for me to meet. I immediately saw him through the dinner. The merchants on the people have a great scent. In money matters, intelligent people are needed.” Delight spread his hands: “He is free, his will.” “So, then, a freelancer?” Said the merchant happily. A day later, at a new meeting, he told Delyusto: “The guy doesn’t want, he doesn’t need to, he says, to tie up, in the fall, all the same as soldiers… I wanted to buy it from the soldiery, but he refused. And it would cost a couple of thousand …”

Varya is glad for that evening, which was arranged in honor of yours, conducted by our good friends Pestsov.

You in your burgundy cashmere shirt made a good impression on everyone. It seems that only that evening Varya had kissed her deeply with you. She always remembers this evening with a sad smile.

Having received this letter, you do not imagine much about yourself there. All kiss you tightly. Do not brag on the war. Remember – you still need a mother. Levers you wrote a separate letter. He came and showed yours – to him.

If we receive a letter from Vali, then what should she answer? Do you love her as you once loved, or are you still offended? She told me more than once: I did not understand Tikhon, he was so unpretentious and clumsy. She regrets that she didn’t see you right away… Valya is, of course, an exceptional person. She loves you sincerely. With someone bind her fate? For our family, it is not suitable. It may be a tragedy. Although, who knows, in life everything happens. Valya Valya, and Vare must write a letter. Just look, rather. Mom sends a blessing and kisses, and we and Varya and even more so. Here she stands and cries. Your sister Fima.

3

The second battery marched on a February frosty night. Arriving from the city at the station Nerchinsk, the gunners immediately loaded the guns onto the platforms, and the sledders introduced the horses into the wagons. The soldiers were trained to work quickly, but they waited for a very long time. The single-track Great Siberian Route was not able to fulfill all the demands made on it by wartime circumstances.

People housed in the frozen greenhouse. Thick steam clubs enveloped every artilleryman; the walls of the cars were covered with hoarfrost. It was ordered not to heat the furnaces until the morning.

Sleep on this night subsided without undressing. In the carriages, they drove by the platoon: from the first day of the march, the old and young soldiers were mixed. The battery was the gunners and rideable life from 1899 to 1904.

Most of all boasted of his seniority sled Semenov. He rode in the same carriage with Podkovin and was arrogant towards the young soldiers.

– Hey, recruit, bring boiling water! – could be heard from Semenov. Most of all he attacked Konevyazov’s orlovtsa, who was with him on the lower tents of the carriage. Semenov kept his head and combed his beard in the same way as Mehmandarov. On the calves, he rolled up a lot of rags so that the tops of his boots seemed as thick as that of the commander. Yearlings scribbled Semenov, saluted him in front. In fact, the figure and straightening of the gunner and the colonel were very similar to each other, but Mehmandarov was black-haired, and Semenov was blond.

– Wash the tank! – shouted Semenov Podkovin once.

“When it is my turn, I will wash it, and today is yours.”

Semenov turned purple. He did not expect such resistance. – A scientist, a clerk… you are still young to disobey.

– I do not intend to carry out someone’s whims.

“On, go and wash you,” shouted Semenov angrily at the orlovts, “learn to live with your elders.”

Konevyazov and Podkovin met their eyes.

– Today I will not go. I’m busy. See, I’ll fix my uniform, “he answered. – Enough… Doing a favor, and you have one conceit.

– I’ll show you arrogance! – shouted Semenov.

“Than to shout, let’s go to Feldwebel right now,” said Podkovin. – During the war, we are all equal. Everyone is responsible for their work.

Remembering the reprimand received by Osipov for Podkovin, Semenov became quiet, but his eyes remained evil.

The soldiers of the second battery almost did not see Manchuria. Their train followed more at night, while in the daytime it stood for long hours at minor stations and deaf journeys. This was done on purpose – away from the wine shops where vodka was sold for sixteen kopecks per bottle.

In Harbin, a military train was inspected by an inspector. The gunners were dressed in new uniforms, forced to tie the underbelly. There was a thaw. Podkovin tried to go to the city, look for the Willows, but the inspection review prevented him.

Chapter seven

one

The train stopped early in the morning at the small station Nanguin. As soon as the doors of the cars were opened, the gunners heard the command;

– Get up! Get ready for unloading!.. Arrived at the theater of operations.

The last words of the team spurred the soldiers. They rose as one. Everyone tried to look out of the car. All saw only the stone building of the station. On the platform stood one railroad attendant. It was quiet. Cool air burst into the cars. The sun illuminated the tops of the nearby mountains. Their gray, bare slopes struck the Siberians with their lifelessness: no forest, not even a bush. Desert terrain stretched around.

Podkovin, having heard the name of the station, said:

– From here, about two hours to Port Arthur and three quarters of an hour to the city of Far. Nangualine – junction station.

– And all he knows! – growled Semenov.

– How can I, uncle Semenov, not know if I was here last year?

The Gunners approached Podkovin to listen to his story about these places.

– What kind of theater is this war?! – disappointedly handed orlovets. – We are again at home, in our land. Kwantung, I heard, was rented by us from the Chinese for ninety-nine years.

2

During February, the Japanese squadron stayed close to Port Arthur, trying to paralyze the exits of our large ships from the harbor. Russian pursued failures. The mine transport “Yenisei” and the handsome cruiser “Boyar” died. Both ran into their mines and submerged ships. Heroically fought the destroyer “Steregushchy” – one against four Japanese destroyers and two cruisers. In an unequal battle, the Russian sailors put up courageous resistance. The destroyer “Imposing”, surrounded by Japanese cruisers, had to be thrown onto the stones.

Portartur depressed and waited for the Japanese landing near the fortress. Ground troops were transferred from one coast of the peninsula to the other. At the station Nanguin was duty train loaded with infantry and artillery.

During these days there have been some regrouping in parts of the troops. The first and second batteries of the Trans-Baikal Artillery Division were included in the fourth artillery East Siberian Brigade. The commander of the second battery was the colonel Laperov, who had arrived in the Far East, and Mehmandarov assumed command of the seventh artillery battalion.

Chapter eight

one

The second battery is located on the outskirts of the semi-neglected village of Nanguin. The well-to-do villagers left the north from the very first days of the war, having left their homes. The gunners are located in the empty fanzah. Daytime, from sunrise to sunset, was held in intensive study with guns and on trips to the surrounding fields and hills. For a short period, the entrances to all promontories and coves located near Nangualin station were studied.

The Kwantung Peninsula is filled with short mountain chains of considerable height. Their slopes are steep and cut by valleys of mountain streams and streams. A close examination of the Kvantun relief can be established that the main mountain spurs on it stretch not along but across, forming several natural barriers. The Tafashinsky heights should be considered the first barrier, and the largest group of mountains, connected to the Perebali range, which starts from the village of Longvantan on the Korean Gulf beret, stretches northward through Mount Huinsan and further through a series of heights to Mount Yupilasa, ending with a chain of hills at Hecy Bay. In front of the “gates” to Arthur there is also a barrier called the Wolf Mountains, separated from the Perevali range by the valley of the River Tahe and the plain that reaches the Ten Ships Bay. Significant heights in the last barrier are Xiaogushan and Fenhoanshan.

The slopes of the Kwangtung Mountains are treeless and stony, and the peaks often protrude toward the sky with separate rocks and stone teeth, forming natural walls similar to cock combs.

During the drought period, the Kvantuna river becomes very small, but in rainy time they turn into violently flowing streams. Most of the Kwantung roads pass through their valleys, and sometimes the riverbeds.

2

The declaration of war disturbed the inhabitants of the Far, but the alarm did not last long. Soon fresh troops began to arrive on Kvantun. The Japanese have become silent after the first speeches.

– Since nothing significant has been done at the very beginning, there is nothing to be afraid of. “Reinforcements will come from the north, push the enemy aside, and life will go on as before,” said Modest Vladimirovich to his wife and daughter.

Valya never stopped making music. She often went to the beach and looked away for a long time. Dark silhouettes of enemy warships with black clouds of smoke did not frighten her.

Back in Harbin, just before she left, she received a letter from Irkutsk from her friend Zoya Remneva. She told her that Tikhon had been taken and assigned to the second field battery of the Trans-Baikal Artillery Division.

– Where is he now, this Trans-Baikal division? Maybe on Kvantun? – asked herself Valya.

Walking through the streets, she looked into the faces of young soldiers. She learned from kanta on her caps to distinguish artillerymen from infantrymen.

Once the arrows told her that not far from the city, at the pumping station, there was a field battery of the fourth rifle artillery brigade. After that, Valya began to go on the road to the pumping station.

At the end of March and at the beginning of April, it was the second battery that Valya so often asked about. Podkovin walked with Orlovtsev Konevyazov twice to the Far. Walking along the street past the building of the Russian-Chinese Bank, Tikhon once heard a familiar motive. In the next wing, the same melody that Valya played to him on the piano was performed on the piano.

“Where is she now?” Does Tikhon remember? Maybe become an important lady? But, although as a joke, she was going to marry me …”

The game stopped, and Podkovin went to the bazaar to look for the orlovtsa, who bought tobacco and cigarettes on behalf of his comrades.

3

In the evenings, Lykov often sat with the Inovs. Valya avoided him. Being alone with Serafim Prokopievna, he talked to her for a long time in the hope that Valya would seem to him.Inova met Lykova affably. He gave her a bunch of military news, expressed favorable assumptions and, thus, extremely pleased Seraphim Prokopyevna. Two times mothers managed to call her daughter into the living room and make her play the piano.

Valya noticed a big change in Lykov. He leaned over, walked with his head down, stopped drinking vodka and smoking.

On the fifth day of the war, Lykov transferred to the state gratuitously the remnants of building materials worth fifty thousand rubles. His father telegraphically approved the act, but demanded that he rather leave home. Showing the telegram to Seraphim Prokopievna, Lykov said:

– I can not decide to leave here.

– We are going back to Harbin in April. The movement of goods has stopped, and the entire composition of the bank’s branch has nothing to do here.

Talk with Valery failed. Lykov grieved.

“How short-sighted I am! The judge boy was right. Dad will approve the choice.”

Alexander Petrovich wrote Valais a letter. Week waited for an answer. Sent the second.

“You do not believe that I love you madly,” he wrote. – Time of my reasoning is over. I dropped the calculations. You made me turn round. I will do everything you order.”

Valya answered:

“No sacrifice is needed for me. How do you not understand that you need to marry after a year or two and, moreover, a girl who would not know you yesterday… I have a feeling of disgust for you… You smell like a foreigner… Maybe it’s cruel, but you are not a boy, but everyone a recognized smart businessman… I don’t need anything. But homeland needs you. Go to the headquarters and take on the share of concerns for the construction of fortifications in dangerous places. Work and live among the soldiers.”

four

In the courtyard occupied by the servants of the seventh cannon, the big fanza was cleared, and the Chinese family lived in a small one. The host and the teenage chinchone each morning went to the field. There were three Chinese women: an old woman and two young women, one of them pregnant. At the threshold of the fanza, three small girls played all day.

Konevyazov memorized a few words of Russian-Chinese jargon, and at each meeting he tried to encourage the owner of the court, who went to hang his head. Orlovets decided to prove to his master that he must definitely leave Nangual.

– You what, the kind person, you sit here, but you don’t leave somewhere far away from war? You have a horse, you have a cart, and so go.

The Chinese looked at the orlovtsov and shrugged.

– Captain Shango… My booty.

Apparently, the master assumed that the soldier wanted to get some thing from him. Konevyazov thought about himself:

“Why did the Chinese stay here? Why didn’t you go north with the others? The Japanese landed, the path is cut. Is it a pity that he should leave his native village? A pregnant wife is about to be resolved… How can he explain?”

One evening he called the host to the arba. – You have to go, you have to go soon.