red moscow

Chapter 3118

Upon learning that the German armored company that had come to their aid had been annihilated, Sokov personally led Bobrikov and others to inspect the situation. When they arrived at the foot of the slope, they found Lomonsov standing there talking to Nazorov.

"What are you doing here?" Sokov stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Lomonsov's furrowed brow and Nazorov's slightly uneasy posture, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.

"Comrade Brigade Commander!" Upon seeing Sokov's sudden arrival, Lomonsov instinctively stood at attention and reported with a bitter face, "Didn't you tell me to set up artillery on the slope to destroy the enemy's tanks and armored vehicles from a high vantage point?"

“Yes, I did give you that order.” Sokov’s tone was calm, but with a hint of confusion. “Is there something wrong with it?”

"I just directed my men to move the artillery down the slope and was preparing to set up observation positions and adjust the firing arcs," Lomonsov said, pointing to several cannons that were not yet deployed in the distance. "But then Captain Nazorov suddenly came down and told me that all the enemy's tanks and armored vehicles had been destroyed, and that I no longer needed to set up artillery positions on the slope."

After listening, Sokov slowly turned his head, his gaze piercing Nazorov like a knife. He remained silent for a moment before speaking, his voice suppressing obvious displeasure: "Nazorov, you previously reported that because the enemy's location was beyond the effective range of your anti-tank firepower, artillery support was urgently needed. That's why I ordered Lomonsov to bring the artillery battalion. Now you're telling me the target has been destroyed—you must give me a reasonable explanation."

“Comrade Brigade Commander, please don’t be angry. Please allow me to explain the situation.” Seeing Sokov’s ashen face, Nazorov quickly stepped forward, saluted, and explained, “After our call ended, we were indeed waiting for the artillery units to arrive. But just then, three T-34 tanks suddenly emerged from the edge of the forest on the northeast side of the slope. They quickly deployed into battle formation and opened fire before we could react, accurately destroying all the German armored targets.” He paused slightly, his tone filled with excitement and relief, “The enemy was thrown into chaos by the loss of cover. I immediately ordered the entire battalion to attack, annihilating the remaining infantry and capturing some German soldiers.”

Due to the cover of the forest and the undulating terrain, Sokov did not witness the battle of the 3rd Battalion firsthand. The battle report he had received earlier stated that "the German armored company that came to reinforce has been annihilated," which he naturally assumed was the result of artillery battalion coordination. But reality was beyond his expectations—a sudden tank raid rewrote the course of the battle.

Sokov hesitated for a moment, then looked back at Nazorov and said in a slightly gentler tone, "Comrade Captain, where are the commanders of those T-34s? I'd like to see them."

“Please wait a moment, I’ll send someone to fetch him.” Nazorov said, then put two fingers to his lips and whistled a clear, loud whistle. Before the whistle had even faded, a young soldier quickly ran up to him from nearby and asked respectfully, “Comrade Battalion Commander, what are your instructions?”

"Go and call the tank commander over," Nazorov instructed. "Tell him our brigade commander wants to see him."

"Yes, sir." Without the slightest hesitation, the soldier saluted, then turned swiftly and strode up the slope. A minute or two later, he disappeared on the other side of the slope.

While waiting, Nazorov turned slightly to face Sokov and tentatively asked, "Comrade Brigade Commander, it's still early. Shall we continue our advance?"

“No!” Sokov rejected Nazorov’s proposal almost without hesitation: “Although your battalion has just destroyed the enemy’s armored company, it has also exposed many problems. It is not appropriate to blindly advance.”

Nazorov was clearly unprepared for such a blunt rejection, a fleeting hint of frustration crossing his face. He paused for a moment, then couldn't help but press, "Comrade Brigade Commander, what problems have we exposed?" "I'll explain in detail at the meeting tonight," Sokov said, ending the conversation without a direct answer. He then turned to Lomonsov beside him and continued, "Captain Lomonsov, you should stick to the original plan and establish artillery positions on the mountain."

Lomonsov was taken aback by this, a look of confusion appearing on his face. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Comrade Brigade Commander, haven't the enemy all been wiped out? Why do we still need to set up artillery positions on the slope?"

“We’ll be camping in the village next door tonight,” Sokov explained briefly, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding terrain. His voice remained steady and authoritative. “The enemy might launch a surprise attack. If we deploy artillery on the slope beforehand, we can fire at them from a distance—even if it’s armored units, we won’t have to worry.”

“But,” Lomonsov said hesitantly, “we need infantry cover to establish a position on the slope.” As he spoke, his gaze involuntarily drifted to Nazorov beside him: “I wonder if the Third Battalion Commander would be willing to help us?”

“Of course, I’m more than happy to serve my comrades in the artillery.” Before Sokov could speak, Nazorov interjected, “I will send the most elite company to ensure your safety.”

Just as the arrangements for setting up the artillery position were finalized, a second lieutenant dressed in tank uniform walked down the slope, led by a soldier.

"Comrade Lieutenant!" the soldier introduced to the lieutenant, "This is our brigade commander, Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, he's the one who wants to see you!"

"Hello, Lieutenant Colonel!" After hearing the soldier's introduction, the second lieutenant quickly raised his hand to salute Sokov: "Second Lieutenant Seragin of the 41st Independent Tank Regiment reporting for duty!"

Sokov grasped Sherekin's hand and said gratefully, "Lieutenant, thank you so much today. If you hadn't arrived in time to destroy the German tanks and armored vehicles, my troops would have suffered even greater losses."

Hearing Sokov's words, Sherekin grinned: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, it is our responsibility to fight the enemy. Since you are the supreme commander here, may I ask you for a favor?"

Sokov had a good impression of the tank lieutenant who had helped his unit, so he naturally wouldn't refuse his request easily. He generously said, "Lieutenant Sherekin, please tell me what you need. As long as it's within my ability, I will definitely grant your request."

“It’s like this, Lieutenant Colonel,” Shelejin said somewhat awkwardly, “The three tanks I was leading got lost during the advance and lost contact with the main force. I wonder if you could take us in temporarily? We will leave as soon as we can get in touch with our superiors.”

After understanding the other party's needs, Sokov smiled knowingly. He had been worried about his troops lacking tank support, and now it was like a godsend—three tanks that had lost contact with the main force had arrived. He readily agreed, "No problem, Lieutenant Sherekin, I personally welcome you to join us. I will arrange manpower as soon as possible to replenish the ammunition and fuel you have consumed in the battle."

(End of this chapter)