red moscow

Chapter 3099

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, all the officers and soldiers of the infantry brigade launched another pursuit operation against the retreating German troops.

The vanguard was once again led by Major Vasya's 4th Battalion—which had performed exceptionally well and achieved remarkable feats in the battle that annihilated the headquarters of the German 267th Division the previous day, earning it the designation of the unit with the greatest merit by the brigade headquarters. This honor greatly boosted the morale of the entire battalion; everyone was in high spirits and full of energy, and even their marching speed was much faster than usual.

At approximately 10:00 AM, the 4th Battalion successfully caught up with a retreating enemy force outside a small town on the outskirts of their advance route, and a fierce firefight ensued.

Upon learning that the vanguard battalion had engaged the enemy, Sokov personally led a guard platoon to Vasya's battalion command post. He hoped to gain a clearer understanding of the true state of the troops' operations through firsthand observation.

When he arrived at the Fourth Battalion's command post, the German army launched a fierce counterattack. Enemy shells exploded around the command post from time to time, deafeningly loud, while stray bullets whizzed overhead frequently, creating a very tense atmosphere on the battlefield.

But Sokov showed no fear. He couldn't help but recall his experience in his previous life leading troops to defend Mamayev Kurgan to the death—the battle then was far more brutal and dangerous than it was now.

Major Vasya, who was directing the operation, looked up and suddenly saw Sokov enter the command post. He froze on the spot. He quickly ended his call with his subordinate, put down the phone, and strode over to Sokov, asking in astonishment:
"Commander, why did you come here in person? It's too dangerous here!"

"I've come to see how your battalion fights," Sokov said calmly as he walked toward the lookout post and looked outside, asking, "Looks like the Germans are launching a counterattack?"

“Yes, Comrade Brigade Commander,” Vasya reported immediately. “We once controlled two streets in the town, but the enemy, unwilling to accept defeat, quickly amassed superior forces and launched a counterattack. After fierce fighting, we lost control of one of the streets.”

Upon hearing this, Sokov did not, like some commanders, forcefully order his men to "recapture the lost territory" without asking why. Instead, he asked Vasha in a gentle tone: "Tell me, what are the specific reasons for the loss of the streets? Was it because the enemy was too strong, or because our soldiers were not resolute enough in their fighting?"

“Neither,” Vasya replied, shaking his head. “We only had one platoon that entered that street, while the German counterattack force was at least a company. The disparity in strength was too great, and despite our soldiers’ fierce resistance, we were eventually driven out.”

"Then why didn't you send reinforcements in time?" Sokov stared at Vasya and continued to press. "If the reinforcements had arrived, perhaps we could have held the position?"

Although the brigade commander's tone remained calm, Vasya had already realized that there had been a flaw in his command. He sincerely admitted his mistake:
“I’m sorry, Comrade Brigade Commander, it was my mistake. In order to quickly expand the results of the battle, I ordered the troops to attack multiple streets at the same time, which led to the dispersion of the troops… By the time the enemy counterattacked, I had no reserves left to mobilize.”

“Just before I entered the battalion command post, I noticed a small group of enemy troops approaching in our direction,” Sokov said solemnly to Major Vasya. “To prepare for a possible surprise attack, I have ordered my guard platoon to quickly deploy, occupy advantageous terrain, and prepare for battle to ensure the enemy cannot easily breach the command post.” “Comrade Brigade Commander, thank you so much!” Vasya said gratefully after hearing Sokov’s words. “As you may have seen, only one platoon is currently on guard around my battalion headquarters; the rest are civilian and communications personnel. If the Germans were to break through the lines and rush here, we would likely have no choice but to relocate the command post immediately. Now, with your guard platoon assisting in the defense, we can hold out here longer and try to wait for reinforcements to arrive.”

As Sokov listened, he quickly thought to himself. He knew that the main force of the Fourth Battalion was scattered in several areas of the town, engaged in fierce fighting with the German army. If troops were to be withdrawn from the front line to reinforce the battalion headquarters at this time, it would not only lead to the loss of the original positions, but more dangerously, the German army might take advantage of the situation to press forward and cause even greater chaos.

Thinking this, he raised his hand and gestured to Vasya to stop him, saying, "Major Vasya, order your companies to continue fighting and not to withdraw without authorization. Otherwise, if the troops are pursued by the enemy while disengaging from combat, they may find themselves in a more passive situation, or even be scattered. In my opinion, troops should be transferred from other places to ensure the safety of the battalion command post. By the way, is your radio working properly? Can you maintain communication with the brigade headquarters?"

“No problem, Comrade Brigade Commander!” Vasya replied immediately. “Our battalion’s radio has always been well maintained and the signal is clear. You can use it to contact the brigade headquarters at any time.”

Sokov immediately contacted the brigade headquarters via the 4th Battalion's radio and reported to Chief of Staff Karsokov, who was on the receiving end: "Comrade Chief of Staff, the officers and soldiers of the 4th Battalion are currently engaged in fierce street fighting with the enemy in the town. The Germans have launched counterattacks in some areas. Because all the companies are embroiled in a stalemate and unable to send troops back to reinforce the battalion command post, the situation here is currently dangerous, and there is a possibility of being surrounded and annihilated by the enemy..."

Upon hearing this, Karsokov's heart leaped into his throat. His primary concern was for Sokov's safety, so he quickly interjected, "Comrade Brigade Commander, since the battalion command post is now exposed to danger, shouldn't you immediately evacuate to a safe area?"

“There’s no need for that,” Sokov said casually. “The Second Battalion isn’t far from the town. Contact the Second Battalion Commander, Captain Alex, immediately and tell him to speed up his march and come to join the Fourth Battalion.”

“I understand, Comrade Brigade Commander,” Karsokov replied quickly. “I will contact Captain Alexa immediately and have them speed up their march so they can join the Fourth Battalion as soon as possible.”

After Sokov ended the call, he said to Vasya, "Major Vasya, I've already spoken with the chief of staff and arranged for the 2nd Battalion, which is the closest to here, to come and provide support. Even if the enemy launches an attack on your battalion command post, as long as we can hold out for fifteen minutes, the 2nd Battalion will arrive."

Although he had heard that reinforcements would arrive in a quarter of an hour at most, Vasya was still worried about Sokov's safety. He said cautiously, "Comrade Brigade Commander, it's too dangerous here. I think you should move to another place and come back after the Second Battalion arrives."

But Sokov waved his hand and said, "Major Vasya, if you're not afraid, what do I have to worry about? Besides, I've been on the battlefield before. If the enemy really charges at me, I can pick up a weapon and fight them."

(End of this chapter)