Frontlines: Soviet Assault (IC)

[Joukaai]

Frontlines: The Soviet Assault



Welcome, Comrade. Mother Russia needs you to guide her sons through the coming storm. The fascist beast approaches. You must slay her, Socialism must prevail!

Planning Thread (Old) | OOC |Archive Thread

Current Date: 22 June 1941
1st Campaign: Operation Barbarossa | Episode 1: The German Onslaught

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22 June 1941
1st Campaign: Operation Barbarossa | Episode 1: The German Onslaught

Phase One


(Current Phase Map)
Squares indicate battalions of the 917th, Squares with a line represent the tank companies of the attached 115th

Germans
6148 Infantry,
12 Panzer I
32 Panzer 38t
16 Panzer IV

Soviets
2677 Infantry
53 T-34 Tanks
40 Yak-1 Fighters
40 Il-2 Ground-Attack Aircraft

---

Colonel Alexander Nikolayevich Dovorov was awoken from his bed by frantic shouts from his aides outside his door. Major Ivchenko was pale in his face and could barely speak. Dovorov was not in a mood to handle this man and said "Speak" rather tersely to the major. The major finally managed to utter the words, "The Germans have attacked us. We believe at around 3 this morning. No word from headquarters and retreating soldiers and streaming into the city."

In a rare moment of visible surprise, Dovorov was shocked. For a moment a flash of worry struck the man but he quickly composed himself. Attempting to appear composed before his men, Dovorov slowly reached for his coat hanging next to his door, put it on, and lit a cigar. If one could have seen his hands through the darkness of the room, they were trembling and lighting his cigar was almost difficult before Dovorov took a deep breath. His calming demeanor mastered he said to the gathered staff officers, "So it begins."

He made his way through his makeshift headquarters in a commandeered mansion in Vilnius's south-eastern outskirts. He looked to the major, "Do we have any intelligence?"

The major shook his head, "We have only vague estimates. The retreating soldiers have put the advancing Germans at over 10,000 backed by 100 armored vehicles."

Dovorov cut the man a deathly stare, "I WILL NOT tolerate the ramblings of cowards. Those numbers are the fantasies of whipped dogs and shall not be repeated. The correct response, Major, is that we have limited intelligence suggesting sizable infantry and armored elements but not more. How long till they arrive?"

The Major contemplated his response, "Our front lines are crumbling, they will likely be here by midday."

Dovorov looked around the room at the assembled Senior officers, "Comrades, we must hold here. The river crossing behind us will not be used by the Germans to flank our southern brothers. Our first line of defense will be along the rail lines. We have terrain advantage when the approach from the west. Our second line will be formed before the bridge head. If the first line falls, all units are to fall back through the city to the bridge and regroup for a counter attack. They have the initiative now, once we know our enemy's strength, we will take it from them. Deliver this message to the field officers - 'Germans have attacked with infantry and armor, hold a defensive line across the rail line at all costs.' "

The message was short but it was all the men needed to know for now. Dovorov's mother had insisted there was no God. He hoped she was wrong.

-------------------------

Midday 22 June 1941

The retreating men did not seem to be too far off in their estimates. Contact with the enemy had been made across the entire line. Dovorov still had no word from headquarters. German infantry and armor had hit them hard. The Germans did not seem to have any air support at the moment. In the absence of orders from above, Dovorov took control of the situation. he radioed into the local airfield and commandeered several air elements of Yak-1 fighters and Il-2 Ground-Attack craft. He hoped that air superiority here could help stall the German advance.

---

Germans have attacked along the lines in the map above and will reach Soviet lines by midday. Officers, your first post may include your reaction to word from the German attack but it should also include your first contact with the German enemy.

[Wanderjar]

Junior Lieutenant Alexander Orlov had been awoken by his platoon Senior Sergeant, alerting him that all hell had broken loose.

At the revelation that the Germans had broken their bond of alliance with the USSR, he lept from his bunk and hurriedly scrambled into his uniform. The sergeant, knowing his commander respectably after a year of service under him, passed him his belt and pistol holster as well as the brimmed cap which all Soviet infantry officers wore. Orlov nodded to him.

'Sergeant Dmitry Skvortsova,' Orlov sighed, 'It has begun.'

'Yes, Comrade Lieutenant,' Dmitry replied. 'Most of the troops are up. I have them scrounging for their equipment now.'

'Excellent. I'll see what our orders are at present. Keep the men ready in the assembly area and I'll return when I know what we need to do.' With that, both men turned and left the officer's housing and entered into the main assembly area for the Red Army's 917th Motor Rifle Regiment. He hurried to his company commander's billet and found his orders were to move forward immediately to firing positions established astride the rail lines to the west. The rolling hills assured natural enfilade against enemy fires and would permit a significant advantage.

He hurried to his men, assembled in a chaotic mass awaiting his arrival. His face turning red he barked angrily, 'Form up immediately! You are the army of the Workers and Peasants and you will damned well form into orderly marching columns!' The men paused for a moment, but before his rage boiled at the lack of discipline they hustled into two orderly rows.

The company didn't have the time to form up simultaneously. They had to hurry out piecemeal to their firing positions before the enemy arrived. Much depended on them and Orlov could only hope that it would be enough. Though his men were tired and unprepared for marching, he knew that they weren't bad soldiers. Inexperience played a role, though he held no doubts about their courage. They would prevail, and the fascist invaders would fall.

[Palonitr and Howland]

Junior Lieutenant Roman Constantin was pissed. He had been having a nice drink of coffee while watching over his men when german artillery had hit his platoon's position. Suffice to say he dropped his coffee, which was a rare find mind you, and started putting on his equipment.

He went out of his tent to see his men rushing to their defensive positions and getting ready for the oncoming german offensive. He went up to his platoon and spoke to his squad leaders.

"Comrades, entrench yourselves deep and well. The German dogs will be coming soon and i have no doubts that we will be outnumbered. Vasily, take your squad and go further the line, recon and see where the enemy positions are. Engage no one and be careful. Once you get back tell Orlov. He will then radio it back to HQ where it maybe some help. I am going back to HQ myself to check it what is going on. I shall be back soon. Don't get yourselves killed unnecesarrily."

He saluted at the men and dismissed them as he started walking towards HQ when he heard several roars from the sky. He looked up and his eyes widened.

"LUFTWAFFE!!!"

He dropped down onto the ground as the plane shot onto his men positions. He took out his Nagant M1895 and shot the plane, missing. He grunted as he stood up, dusting his clothes of any dust. The Germans have probably started Blitzkrieging their facist asses into Belarus. He dedlcided then to stay instead. The facists would be here soon and his men needed him. He propped himself into the building which was his command centre and watched the farmlands in front of him with his binoculars, looking for a dust cloud and tanks.

[Paddy O Fernature]

22 June 1941 | Red Army Headquarters | Morning

In the early light of the new day, Artyom was already on his feet and making his rounds around the camp where his men were currently stationed. His current stop found the man standing inside an oil canvas tent packed with various shipping crates filled with various items neatly nestled in straw for safer shipping. In his hand, he held a clipboard with various requisitioned items scribed across it that he had requested earlier in the week for himself and his men. With a smile, the man signed off on the cheaply made form before grabbing hold of a dolly with several crates loaded down upon it and exiting the tent.

As he made his way back to his individual muster area, Artyom took a rare moment to loose himself in his thoughts as he walked down the dirt road through the camp, passing various tents and motor pools as he went. It was hard believe that he was actually here, in the middle of nowhere doing something that actually mattered for once, instead of being a nobody stuck in the middle of a field digging up countless potatoes by hand. He had come a long way in such a shot period, and he was proud of himself for accomplishing what many in his family thought was foolhardy. Hell, his own father had disowned him when he finally mustered the courage to leave the farm all those years ago, and sadly to this day he never heard a response to any of his letters or telegrams that he sent.

The sound of thunder in the distance caught the mans attention, and roused him from his thoughts and brought him back to reality. He paused for a moment and looked up toward the cloudless sky in the distance and was puzzled for a moment by what caused the noise. A bright flash light up the sky on the horizon, and a brief moment later the sound of thunder resonated through the camp again. Soon, what started with sporadic frequency soon became an absolute light show of the likes the man had never seen before, and as realization dawned upon him he put his back into it and pulled the trolly along at a trot along the bumpy dirt road.

Upon return to his muster area, a small gathering of men had roused themselves from their resting areas and were standing about watching the spectacle unfold on the horizon, looks of puzzlement and concern on every one of their faces.

"Third Platoon! Ready Line!" He yelled at the top of his lungs as he brought the trolly to a stop and unceremoniously dumped the wooden crates onto the ground.

"Ready Line!" Echoed the men in well drilled precision as they tossed half smoked cigarettes and emptied tin cups of coffee onto the ground as they scrambled to rouse the rest of the platoon from their cots. In a few short minutes, the men were roused and loosely formed up into rank and file. The man standing in front of the formation, was a Kodiak of a man with many years of distinguished service under his belt. The man turned and gave a quick salute to Artyom before addressing him.

"Men assembled and accounted for, Comrade Lieutenant" Said Senior Sargent Saveliy Krayevsky with a growl through a frown that was missing a few teeth.

"Good." Replied Artyom with a salute of his own. "I want the men to break camp and be combat loaded and ready to march upon my return from headquarters Sergent. A storms brewing on the horizon Krayevsky, and I fear the worst."

"Consider it done, Comrade Lieutenant" Was the mans reply before he turned around on his heel and faced the assembled men once again.

"Alright ladies, you heard the man! Grab you're gear and report back here ready to move within the next fifteen minutes. Move!" With those words, the area broke into an absolute frenzy of activity as men frantically tried to gather their belongings as quickly as possible.

From here, Artyom made his way to the command tent to hopefully get to the bottom of this and gather some information on the current situation. Upon his arrival at the mansion, a steady stream of bloody and bruised soldiers were already starting to stream through the camp, confirming his worst fears as to what he was witnessing earlier. Over the next few minutes, he got his briefing on the current situation with the other officers from the man himself. He marked known positions and avenues on his map that he carried pretty much everywhere he went while he listened. Artyom wished that more accurate information was currently available, but he was happy none the less that he was getting at least something as accurate intelligence wasn't exactly a common thing in the Red Army of late.

After the briefing, he quickly left the tent and made his way back to his muster area while deep in thought. The lack of accurate information was absolutely bothering him, as were the reports of an armored element moving against them, for Artyom knew full well just how badly their own tanks were outmatched by the superior engineering and design of their German counterparts. Hopefully, the Red Army tank commander would be smart and not try to foolishly assault the armored line head, as he feared that would end horribly for them.

Upon his return, he was pleased to see that his men were assembled on the main road and ready for travel as per his instructions with their weapons at the ready. He approached Krayevsky, who handed the man the rest of is gear and his own rifle, which he quickly slung over his shoulder.

"How bad, Comrade Lieutenant?" asked the man, reading his face like an open book.

"Not good Krayevsky. Looks like the Germans are attempting to push their way right though this area and advance into our sovereign lands, and were tasked with the pleasant task of informing them of the error of their ways." He mused with a slight smile.

"I want scouts pushed ahead of us on bicycle Krayevsky, as were literally operating blind here. I also want an extra man on our PTRD-41team so it's ready to go at a moments notice."

"You expecting armor in this little spat?"

"I wouldn't put it past them on this one, and it's certainly what I would do if I were them. Also Krayevsky, we have been tasked with reinforcing the center line along the railway and holding at all costs. That means that were walking straight at the heart of the German advance here. As such, I want proper spacing during marching and everyone's head on a swivel here."

"Understood Comrade Lieutenant."

Both men stood in mute silence for a brief moment, before turning and getting the plan in motion. Soon, with the scouts pushed out ahead of them, the men started quick marching toward the fighting on the horizon, toward death, glory, or both for they were about to be baptized in the crucible of battle for the first and possibly last time.

[Silacagua]

22 June 1941,Minsk,Red Army Headquarter,morning.
The German Onslaught

Junior Lieutenant Dmitri Zolnerowich was heading toward the Living Quarter of the third platoon.He walked by motor pool after motorpool while sipping a cup of tea.After arriving to the Living Quarter he yelled "Wake up! Wake up!" The mens was startled by the yell and instantly woke up and dresses up in standard infantry uniform.

After dressing up,Sergeant Ivan said "We're ready for orders sire!" Dmitri replied "Good,take the mens and-" Dmitri was interupted by the sounds of loud explosion of German artillery pouring hell onto the Headquarter.

"What the hell?!" Shouted Dmitri confused."Prepare yourself! We need to defend the rail line! Idti!"
Dmitri and the rest of his platoon then prepared to move onto the Rail line.Dmitri grabbed his PPD-40 and his other equipment as his platoon fumbles around as artillery keeps striking em.
"We're ready to move!" Shouted the Sergeant."Good! We have to find covers first then head onto the Rail line!" Shouted Dmitri

After waiting for the artillery fire to end,Dmitri and his Platoon went out of the bunker and look around.He and his men saw the Red Army Headquarter damaged,but he also saw something far more dangerous.German Troops.They we're advancing toward us.Dmitri and his platoon delved into the woods in hope that they arrived into the Rail line quick enough to set defensive line.

[Iander]

The third platoon of 115th tank brigade's 1st battalion/1st company had been less fortunate than other units. While the others had been equipped with the new and highly modern T-34 obr 1940s, 3rd platoon drove BT-7Ms, very light cavalry tanks. The great strength of the cavalry tank was on the offensive, where the BT could utilize its formidable mobility to exploit breakthroughs. The tank's armour was poor however, the BT having trouble even withstanding fire from heavy machineguns of 12,7mm, but the BT more than made up for this with its 45mm 20K obr. 1932, superior to any gun mounted on the tanks the Germans would send against it.

Junior Lieutenant Lizvinskiy sat on the roof of the turret of his BT, his feet inside the tank as he sat on the brim of his hatch. The crew of three were combat-ready and had been for some time now, but the BTs were worth very little on thier own, relying upon T-34s and KVs to draw fire. The BTs, five in total, were instructed to follow the T-34s under the command of Junior Lieutenant Danezbrov, who had yet to join the formation on the Eastern side of Rossa.

[Nivok Baves]

Then atmosphere in the T-34 was tense, the sound of artillery and gunfire pierced through even the loudest noise the tank made. Danezbrov stood with his upper body sticking out of the tank, smoking a cigarette to escape the tension inside the tank. Looking behind him, he saw his four other tanks in an arrowhead formation giving them a large firing arc if it called for it. He pulled up a map and studied it, marking his position and where he was meant to go and link up with some light tank company. He sighed, babysitting duty would be his first action as a tank commander and as a soldier in the Red Army, as if he didn't look after his baby brother enough when he was at home. Folding the map back up, he rolled his sleeves and unzipped his jacket to get some cool air into his steaming body, a downside to driving a tank was how hot it got in there. Flicking his spent cigarette away, he pulled up a photograph from his from pocket showing him and his older brother standing next to each other, him in his Naval Uniform and Mikail in his tank officers uniform, something his mother and father were quiet proud of and apparently their youngest brother wanted to join them at the front as well. Putting it away as he arrived in front of the light tanks, he saw their officer, sitting on the brim of his tank hatch waiting for him to arrive. Bringing the tanks to a halt, Mikail clambered out and walked over to him "Junior Lieutenat Danezbrov" he said, offering a cigarette.

[Hohenstaufen-Germany]

22 June 1941.
Morning.
The youngest was named Natasha. Due to the blonde girl with freckles being their nestling, everyone just called her Nadenka.
The next eldest, with twenty years, was Swetlana A. Federov. She was a black haired young woman from Siberia, a tough and hard girl.
Eldest of the group was the twentyfive year old Valentina P. Kretov. She was the big sister type of woman, always out to protect her younger 'sisters' and always there with advice, not only for the girls, but for many of the men assigned to them as mechanics and other things as well.
Junior Lieutenant Alexandra A. Kasakow sighed. They were good girls, the girls of the 2nd Flight, 1st Squadron/ 245th Air Regiment, stationed on a well established air field, she made sure of that. They knew their planes, the Yakolev Yak-1, well, they knew how to handle it against many given enemies, as well as to evade many given enemies. Their mechanics were very good as well.
But training always had the disadvantage of being just training, not the real thing. She had full trust in her girls, they were great, but the fighter pilots of the Winter War against Finland were better - they knew the real thing. Same was with foreign pilots, French, British, Polish, Italian, Japanese, they all knew the real thing.
And even the thrice-dammed Germans were more experienced then her girls.
Kasakov sighed again. Her desk was, even at this 8:46 a.m. of this 22nd of June 1941, filled with papers. The mechanics had a way of being excellent, but at the same time requesting off her hair for new equipment and parts.
And despite their and her begging, they didn't even have a radio in their planes.
Someone knocked on her door, sounding like in a hurry.
"Come in!", Kasakov called and didn't even look up - at least not, until Nadenka nearly broke down her office's door. "What's wrong, Nadenka?"
The girl looked up with terrified eyes. "The.. the..."
"The what?"
"The Germans are coming!", the girl said. "It's all over the radio! It is like mad!"
"Well then.", Kasakov said calmly. "The men on the ground will need cover from the air to halt their advances and to throw them back out of the Motherland. Get the other girls, Nadenka. I will talk to the Captain."

22 June 1941.
Nearing Midday.
Turned out, that there had been someone faster then their Captain to call upon them: Colonel Alexander Nikolayevich Dovorov from the 917th Motor Rifle Regiment had simply taken them and put them under his command.
Word had it, that millions of German men were streaming into the Motherland with thousands and thousands of tanks to back them up, all along the border. Word also had it, that they were achieving massive breakthroughs and that STAVKA wasn't really responding.
Official intelligence, like the Captain had given it to them, was, that their limited intelligence suggested, that a sizable infantry force with armored elements was on their way. They had all learned, that this usually meant, that the Luftwaffe with their admittedly very good pilots was near as well.
Currently, just a few reports of the famous Stukas striking single, almost unimportant targets had reached them - that would most likely change soon. Stukas weren't fighters like the Yak-1, they had no chance against them.
Likewise, the Germans would most likely neither send their vulnerable Stukas without escort, nor would they let it stand, that Soviet Equivalents, the Iljushin Il-2, could pose any threat to their tanks. It would get rainy with a high chance of aircraft parts soon.
Kasakov, however, was in the air with her gals in tight formation.
The Yak-1 was a monoplane, therefore by default better then the still rather wide spread biplanes I-15s and I-153s, with wooden wings and a composite structure, a single-seater. She was extremely manoeuvrable, fast and well armed. The mechanics liked her, too.
She was, however, bound. Bound to the Il-2, because her main job was to escort these planes.
And that Kasakov did, her little flight of radio-less girls escorted a equally large (or small) flight four of Il-2s, all with the order to keep their eyes open and well peeled to the sky. The Germans and their fighters could be everywhere.
And if they saw German tanks - "Leave them to the heavies, that's what we have them for!", Kasakov had ordered them.
The young woman held her eyes open as well, once in a while checking, if her girls were still with her and what the Il-2s did. Suddenly, just crossing the Wilejka, the larger and slower planes began to go down, controlled and in formation. After a moment, Kasakov saw why: The Germans were sighted.
The ground attackers most likely had already selected targets, but she could just barely make out the dust kicked up by their fascist tracks. She knew enough about tanks to hope, that they would be without any chance and defense against the Il-2s.
Her eyes went up again - to spot eight dots coming right up from the opposite direction. They were flying higher and slow as well - Fighters and charges?, Kasakov asked herself in thought, initiating the climb and putting the pedal to the matel.
They were too far away to identify them by the symbols on the tips of their wings, although by this point she only knew, that those without their red star was an enemy. Her girls followed her without questions asked.
Not that they could, they still had no radios installed.
They came closer, became better to see: Black crosses on their wings.
Germans.
Her guns were well ranged, but she would just waste ammunition if she fired now, firing upwards and on this range. Also, it would alert the Germans to their presence - they should have seen them by now.
Then she saw it: Stukas, four of them, with bombs under their wings. They were escorts sticking close to their charges, like she guessed.
Kasakov prepared to attack them and she knew, that her girls did as well.
On a distance of about 1,000 metres, still a little bit lower then the Germans, who still didn't react to the soviet fighters, she predicted her angle and fired. Just then, the German formation broke apart, the fighters speeding up, the Stukas diving.
Her shots soared well past their target or any target at all - it was on.

[Iander]

As Lizvinskiy calmly sat daydreaming amid the occasional sound of explosions in the distance, his awareness was caught by the sound of engines from the rear. Five T-34s had arrived, presumably those he would fight alongside. Lizvinskiy heaved his feet out of the turret and unto the hull of the tank and hopped off of the tank, landing in the dry grass. A crewman of one of the T-34s walked to Lizvinskiy, introducing himself. "Junior Lieutenat Danezbrov" he had said, offering a cigarette. Lizvinskiy politely declined it with an open palm and a slight bow of his head. "No thank you, I don't smoke" he had said, offering his hand instead.

"Lizvinskiy, Mladshiy Leytenant. I hear you guys will be riding to battle with us?"

[The Soviet Union of Mother Russia]

Morning 22 June 1941

After the hearing the grizzly, yet valiant Colonel Alexander on the situation, it became rather clear what was about to happened. Even though Yudenich himself never liked the cooperation with the Germans during the Polish invasion, it was really never the time, nor place to voice such concerns, lest you want the NKVD to come knocking by. In any regards as soon as the assembly was dismissed, the officers quickly was all but gone from the large tent, leaving only their spoils of pens, and paper behind covering ground within. Being a fresh Junior LT, he was never much of a man to watch up-close the cogs, and gears getting into work, it was admirable sight to see young men being informed of the incoming storm, all without filching a single muscle. The question he did ponder on as he left the tent was if it was out of loyalty, or fear of the '' comrades '' they served with.

Whatever, it wasn't the time, nor place to think of such. Leaving the officers quarters, Yudenich eventually found his way to the designated staging area of the 315th Motorized Sappers company. He could not help but feel dumbfound as he watched the whole company row, upon row raising their chins to him, tracking him all the way until he was in front of them. Be it muscle memory, or a show of respect, it was none the less a refreshing experience being the new CO of the company.

From the left side walked over a small, yet brawny looking sergeant. As he was making a formal salute, it all was choreographed in motion with the troops.

'' Welcome, Comrade Yudenich ! ''

Even their tongues was all but one entity. He looked rather amazed, yet tried to keep a cool attitude dictated on the academy. He nodded, barking out

'' At ease, comrades ''

He then turned to the Sergeant, nodding him aside as the troops went back to packing their backs, and repacking magazines.

'' It is a pleasure to meet you, Senior Sergeant Oleg Melville, I assume you are the company NCO if not mistaken ? ''

Oleg gave a light chuckle, nodding his long bearded face

'' Da, served with them since the formation back in 37', I have made a briefing on your service record, but do not worry comrade, you know we have to '' add in some extra '' to gain trust ''

Nikolai eased up some more, especially seeing how many of the men were older then him. Last thing he wanted was being seen as schoolboy to them.

'' Thank you, Sergeant. I have to admit I have not had the time to make my impression yet, but I am sure I will get plenty of time to do so. Anyhow I got instructions from the brass, so get the men in formation for briefing. ''

Oleg nodded, turning around on his heels as he walked directly over to the men still fiddling around with their packs, and equipment. Standing just in front of them, they had not taken notice of him..what a mistake they did. A voice louder then a thousand thunders shattered the dead air, sparking a almost electrical sparks from the mouth of this small, yet tough looking sergeant.

'' GET IN LINE, YOU INCOMPOTENT DOGS. GO, GO, GO ! ''

The younger personnel drafted in the company jolted at the furious voice, almost falling over as they turn to the source of the voice in almost shock. The others, being half-deaf, or being around long enough to become immune to it did a more fluent motion, yet they all turned none the less.

Nikolai, stepping over brought up a map against the chassis of one of the ZIS-5 trucks sitting in line on the other side of the staging area. It looked to be a copy of geographical overview of the area that was the area the Germans were about to show up, which in convenience was their location. Taking out his leather whip, he started to mark out the locations they were at, starting his long, yet monotone monolog describing the situation, the numbers, and the damage done so far. Already judging by the faces of the crowd, they were not too happy about the words of '' Panzers '' coming their way. No matter how many it was, they all heard rumors what happened when these steel beasts invaded the border of Poland.

'' The orders is the following. We have to defend the railway from the incoming enemy which is dispatched against us from the South. The military analysis is they will attempt to do a pincer maneuver around the flanks, coming at both sides on the HQ. We will not be able to stand against that, so we have to take care of the side which matters the most, which is the right side. Now, the Germans carry several light-tanks, and a unknown number of medium Panzer IV, judging by the spotters. We got no idea how many, but none the less we have to attempt to ease up the job of our T-34 Tanks. ''

Nikolai proceeds to circle around a distinct point on the map, Hill 210.

'' We do have one advantage, and that is the hill which is South-East to our location. The enemy have not yet reached it judging by the estimated movment, and if we can establish a FOB, with a couple of M1937's, and a DShK, we can attempt to tie their forces around the hill. They are likely going to have to flush out our location with infantry, which makes even more units tied up to our position. If we are lucky, we will be able to preoccupy them long enough for reinforcements to flank them, or until they retreat their flanking offensive on our side, relieving our forces to take care of the other fronts. ''

He then halts, stopping in motion as he looks over, changing his tone lightly as he looks over.

'' Now, that is if of course if we will get that support, or if we got enough numbers. I cannot promise you we can win this battle, but least if we hit the Panzers diagonally on their side-tracks, we can least take down enough to make our mark in history. Now, get in the trucks, we are leaving in five. ''

Nikolai quickly packed up the map, and started to find himself getting in the seat beside the driver of the first in the column. Soon as everyone else was getting ready, they started to head out towards the direction of Kolonja, to then turn South towards Hill 210th. All this of course dependant on the German actually not being on the hill itself, but everyone had to throw the dice after all. Now with the engines being the only thing breaking the silence of the men sitting in the back, they all hoped this thing would work out.

[Nivok Baves]

As Lizvinskiy calmly sat daydreaming amid the occasional sound of explosions in the distance, his awareness was caught by the sound of engines from the rear. Five T-34s had arrived, presumably those he would fight alongside. Lizvinskiy heaved his feet out of the turret and unto the hull of the tank and hopped off of the tank, landing in the dry grass. A crewman of one of the T-34s walked to Lizvinskiy, introducing himself. "Junior Lieutenat Danezbrov" he had said, offering a cigarette. Lizvinskiy politely declined it with an open palm and a slight bow of his head. "No thank you, I don't smoke" he had said, offering his hand instead.

"Lizvinskiy, Mladshiy Leytenant. I hear you guys will be riding to battle with us?"

Mikiail nodded before taking a cigarette and lighting it "It would appear so Comrade Lizvinsky" he replied, using his other hand to shake Lizvinskiy's hand before looking at his tanks "Still using the BT-7Ms? Must say I didn't use one in training, they put us straight onto the T-34s" he said, pulling out a map and placing it on the front of his tank "Now, we're here" he said, pointing towards just east of Rossa "And reports are saying that a German force are making their way in some sort of pincer movement, kinda like what their invasion of Russia, now we need to somehow sent up and ambush in this woodland" indicating to the small forest "and as the Germans approach, let the tanks open fire and harass them" he finsihed before looking at Lizvinskiy "Unless you have word from HQ of course or any better ideas"

[Joukaai]

Colonel Dovorov looked at the reports he was getting. They were too few for him to be comfortable, yet they were wildly varying. The only thing they told him was that the army was crumbling around him and the Germans were on their way. Most frustrating of all - no word from HQ. It was like the field commanders were left blind to fend for themselves against a coordinated, concentrated enemy assault. The colonel decided he could do little from his headquarters. He summoned the major, "Get my staff car. I will take the field. Bring a radio".

The colonel got into his staff car, shared by his driver, the major, a lieutenant and a machine-gun armed soldier. "Drive to the crest of this hill" the colonel said quickly to the driver. Dovorov leaned against the side of the car resting his head on his hand. He was deep in thought and the men in the car knew better than to disturb him. Dovorov was at a loss. He had no orders. One mistake here and he would be before a firing squad. Hell, he could kill all the Germans here and if one of Dovorov's superiors needed a patsy to take the blame, he knew he could still be shot. There was no right answer other than to engage the enemy, and if possible, die here. Dovorov dismissed the idea from his mind. He would not waste the lives of his men for the politics in Moscow. No matter what he did here he could be shot so Dovorov decided he would simply do his best, and do right by his men. Only time would tell his fate. For now, he was alive, in command, and had a job to do. The advance elements of the German forces could be made out through his binoculars. Dovorov could see the Luftwaffe had appeared from almost no where. his initial reports indicated no German air cover. One thing made Dovorov's heart leap - the Germans were primarily using the Panzer 38ts. They were light tanks and by all reports, inferior to Dovorov's T-34s. The Panzer IVs with them were a little more foreboding.

The battle in the skies was about to begin as the planes of the 245th and the Il-2 bombers flew overhead. Dovorov knew most of those planes had no radios so he had to trust that his earlier orders were clear to the pilots - defend the Il-2 at all costs, focus attention on the enemy armor. The Il-2 sorties are not to stop under any conditions besides having all been shot down.

He shifted his attention back to the coming battle on the ground. "Dispatch these orders to battalion commanders - All units are to hold position and defend by Battalions. Tank companies on the flanks - the 1st is to attempt to flank the incoming German infantry - they are not supported by tanks. The 3rd is to engage the German armor but stall them until we have more information. Tell third battalion to engage the enemy armor with whatever they have. The 2nd tank company will be kept in reserve but have them ready to move to the left flank. Under no circumstances should our infantry move from their positions. We are to hold and defend."

He wanted to gauge the strength of the German attack. Soviet doctrine taught him that the defensive was only a temporary situation. He should absorb the enemy attack and prepare for a counter attack - hence why the 2nd tank company was being held in reserve. If the attack was too strong, Dovorov would have his men fall back to the bridge and defend through the streets of Vilnius. His final option was to destroy the bridge behind them and deny it to the Germans. He believed that the Germans were concentrating their armor nearest to the river because they wanted to capture the bridge heads the fastest, or force Dovorov's men to fall back to defend them, thereby concentrating his forces here. Deep Battle doctrine taught that pockets of resistance could simply be avoided until they were cut off. He could not allow the Germans to encircle him. An entire panzer battalion against one company and infantry was not ideal.

Dovorov's center was also weak - a single battalion against what appeared to be a German regiment. His right was where he had strength - and where he hoped to stop this German attack. With the 1st battalion acting as the anvil, the 1st Tank Company would be the hammer and crush the incoming Germans. Once the German left fell, Dovorov could roll up the rest.

[The Soviet Union of Mother Russia]

22 June ,1941.
Midday.
Hill 210.


After the long detour to use the roads leading to the hill, they managed to survive the drive, remaining unseen so far. After parking the trucks at the foot of the hill by the North-Eastern side, they dispatched the sapper personnel to check up the hill. It was unmanned, and seemingly unharmed from the German forces, yet. As they knew times was all that matter during this conflict, they quickly unloaded the towed M1937's, and unloading the DShKs from the cargo hold of the ZIS-5 trucks. After a gruelling march up the peak of the hill, they started getting the firing positions sets for the cannons, as well as setting up fox holes amongst the rocks, and foliage making for good natural cover.

The young Junior lieutenant, Nikolai, in the meanwhile started finding a good spot on the back of the mountain to set up a temporary forward-operation post. They were on a tight schedule, as they had to be ready to link up the shots from the M1937's to being able to tackle the Panzer IV's. Timing was everything, however the humming of the tracks crushing the grass was enough to push them to work even faster. After having the communications mounted up to a antennae on the hill, Nikolai decided it was likely best to declare the open session for the 3rd Company.

'' This is Lt. Yudenich, we have established an emplacement hill 210, and preparing to engage tracked enemy movement, out ''

After the message was sent, a simple nod to Sergeant Oleg was all that it took to pull of the champagne bottle. He quickly went up to the men pulling the emplacements, and they all were looking pale as ghosts. It was but only around 400-500 meters away they were watching these monsters roaring towards the railway, looking hungry as tigers for its prey. A pair of the Panzer IVs was leading the charge, behind it a couple of Opel Blitz trucks loaded with infantry. However, to make things worse, they had to wait for the perfect timing to line up the shots, having to track theses until the side-tracks were facing right at time. The M1937's could not fire shells that was reliable on the front armour, so the only sure-way to take out a panzer, was the tracks. Easier said how-

'' Open fire ! ''

The shout originating from Oleg's mouth was about as loud as the canons that opened fire, as they fired shells rolling towards its target like lighting thunder. Whatever that would happened after the barrage ended, well, they hoped no return-fire would make their day even worse.

Support Points

Used : - 5 points :

- 5 points : Barrage from the M1937's

Total : 15 Support Points

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Dimitri awoke to screams of his gunner Sergei Volkov. He was not in a mood for talking, he just received news that his grandmother had passed on.
“What is it, if it another one of your stupid fantasies about rainbow unicorns again, I swear I will put the tank barrel…” Snapped Dimitri
“No Dimitri, the Germans have attacked. Our frontline troops are retreating, the Germans are about to be here soon” Sergei replied
“Yeah, yeah, and I am pretty fairy rainbow in pony world. We have a non aggression pact with the Germans. They would not attack”
“Dimitri they already attacked, and have broke through the frontlines, and are coming right for us.”
“YES of course, and I am part of the politburo, get real, and not one of your stupid pink rainbow fantasies.”
“Dimitri look at me, I am not joking.”
Dimitri fell back on to his bed stunned
“Are you for real comrade?”
“On my mother’s grave.”
“Alright then what are the estimates.”
“Insufficient intel sir”
“Do not feed me propaganda Sergei.”
“Well they at least outnumber us 2:1.”
“Then we have no chance at winning then.”
“Comrade we have local air support”
“You mean those stupid girls who cannot even hit the broadside of a barn door. That is not air support, that is called a distraction.”
“Sir they are well trained.”
“How could they be well trained the sturmovik pilots are extremely inexperienced. The Yak-1’s are adequate air support, but they will not hold out for long.”
“Then what do we do sir.”
Dimitri bit his lip contemplating his options
“We are not holding here that is for sure. The Germans will encircle us, and destroy us.”
“Than what do we do sir”
“However, I learned something from the Germans.”
“What is that sir.”
“They attack quickly, and efficiently. And, rely heavily on air support to accomplish their goals.”
“So…”
“Our KV tanks is only vulnerable to air support, the 88mm guns, the only other weapon capable of hurting us, is definitely not here.”
“The plan is to withdraw, and form a reserve line at the rear. No that will not work the German aircraft will rip us to to shreds.”
“Air support can be used sir.”
“No our air force is no match for theirs. I got it. Contact third platoon, and organize a joint operation”
“I got it sir.”
“The initial German offensive will definitely succeed, or at most be somewhat stalled. That is when we will strike, when the enemy is exhausted. We will attack using our superior armor, us drawing out enemy fire, and them getting rear, and side shots off”
“Contact them to see what they think about our plan.”
“Yes sir.”
Sergei runs off while Dimitri addresses sgt. Bokov
“Comrade we are greatly outnumbered, and I saw what the Germans are capable of in Poland. Our tanks are better than theirs, but we need to be wary of enemy air support. Send this message Lt. Constatim, 2nd platoon, 917th infantry tell him to shoot any German scouts or spotters, no matter what the cost. Their death is detrimental to our success”
“Yes sir”

[Joukaai]

Alexander looked on in horror as he saw what appeared to be his vital transport and artillery support unit alone, isolated, and directly in line with the incoming Germans. Those around him made themselves scarce. In a fit of rage, Alexander drew his pistol and emptied the magazine in the direction of the isolated 1st Platoon/ 3rd Company. "Damn you! Major let it be known that the next man to disobey my orders will be shot by me personally! All units, except the 1st Company of the 115th are to hold firm. Get me the company commander of that unit here immediately!" Dovorov was as red as a tomato. He would not send a single man to support the men who had occupied that hill. He had to admit it was a good position but it was too far from their main objective for it to be worth defending. This single platoon risked ruining the alignment of the entire regiment, and possibly the division defending along this river. The Germans would eat them alive and his men would have to stand by and watch as their comrades were either swallowed whole or broken and retreat in shame. Their commanders would be held responsible but he refused to risk the rest of his position.

Dovorov walked into his command tent, well stormed into it really. He got onto the radio that linked to the loudspeakers set up in the base camp that was meant to spew propaganda. "This is your commanding officer, Colonel Alexander Dovorov. Do not allow fear into your hearts and do not allow the fascists to confuse you. Stay strong comrades. Do your duties and follow your orders. Insubordination is a disease the fascists wish to grow in our ranks. Insubordination is the mark of a traitor to the cause. Only by standing strong, standing together, and fighting as one great army can we find victory. Cowards and traitors are to be purged from our glorious army. They are to be shot on sight! Do not allow them to derail us from our great cause. Take heart in the superiority of our system. Our ultimate victory is inevitable, brothers and sisters. Through our might of arms, determination, and commitment we will win. Victory for the Motherland!"

All he could offer his men was his moral support and word that cowards and insubordinate soldiers were to be shot. He gave them love and fear. Through the balance of this tightrope of emotional manipulation, an officer could control his men. The Germans were coming and had already begun to engage his forces in several locations. "Let them come", he thought to himself. A sudden confidence overtook him. He would break the German advance here.

[Silacagua]

The forest,midday

It has been hours since Dmitri and his platoon traveled the forest."Sir,when will we arrive at the rail lines?" Asked Sergeant Ivan."Not long now." Replied Dmitri.The thick obstacle of jungle made a difficult journey for them to reach the Rail lines.However the skilled soldiers were no match for the obstacle.

Two hours later

After making a journey through the dense and thick forest,Dmitri and his platoon made it to the Rail lines."Make a line of Sandbox throughout the Rail lines,do not let there be any gaps!" Ordered Dmitri.
"Affirmative!" Said the soldiers.The soldiers instantly began to build sandbox across the rail lines,in hope that this will stall the German movements."Hmm,we need to get other platoon to join us." Said Dmitri as he began broadcasting his message to the radio.

"This is Junior Lieutenant Dmitri Zolnerowich! We are stationed and to defend at the Rail lines!
We need further backups for the German attack onto the Rail lines! Ura! Ura ! Ura!"

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

As Dimitri tried to formulate a plan in his mind, he was interrupted by his best friend Sergei.
“What is it”
“The commander has gone mad”
“How”
“He is raging at the platoon who is holding the hill.”
“Damn”
“He also is threatening to execute all who disobey his orders”
“Than we are dead men if we follow him”
“We are dead men if we do not follow him”
“He is making the same mistake that the French made.”
“What is that”
“He is relying on a static line, instead of a defense in depth.”
“How do you know it will not work”
“The Germans are coming from all sides right?”
“Correct, but how do you know”
“That is German doctrine, designed to pierce a defensive line”
“How do you think you can stop him”
“I am going to meet him personally”
Dimitri left, and went to talk to colonel Dovorov, but comes back when he hears the signal
"It seems like some of our comrades are in trouble."
"It seems like your plan has to wait"
"Our allies are in the lush forests it seems"
"So"
"Perfect for avoiding air strikes"
"The colonel will have our heads"
"That is why I am not going."
"What"
"I go and you go see Dovorov"
Sergei leaves to see Dovorov

[Jeremy Beaver]

"Come on get up you lazy idiots! Were at war this is not a drill!" Artyom began yelling at the top of his lungs in the barracks. He had received Intel that German forces have begun attacking a Rail line nearby and had also received a reinforcements request via Radio from a group of Infantry hold up in a Forest. There objective was to reinforce the Infantry, Defend the Rail line, and Push back the Fascist horde back into there so-called father land. Artyom was unsure of the last objective as he heard they outnumbered them by two times. there T-50's were still relatively new compared to the KV-1's and T-34's. Artyom thought of them as Mini T-34's what with there sloped armor and incredible speed but smaller gun.

"Go!, Go!, Go!" He rushed about all 25 of the people that made up the Platoon. 5 T-50's each with room for 5 crew members. After running outside He then climbed into his own T-50 which had the number 26 painted on the Right side of the Turret. He checked inside for all 4 other crewmen. Driver, check, Radio Operator, check, Gunner and Loader, Check He nodded to the driver while inside the tank and stood outside standing in the Turret with Binoculars attached to his neck. He then motioned his Arm to signal to follow him. The tanks began moving towards the Infantry held up in the forest by the Rail way.

"Loader! AP shells! Gunner! Sight gun to 200 meters! Radioman tell the Infantry were on our way!" Artyom yelled his Order to make sure they could hear him over he roar of the Engine.


Radio Message from Junior Lieutenant Artyom Jelinek

This is Junior Lieutenant Artyom Jelinek to Infantry holding in Forest! Hold your position. T-50's are inbound for Support. Over.

[Silacagua]

This is Junior Lieutenant Artyom Jelinek to Infantry holding in Forest! Hold your position. T-50's are inbound for Support. Over.

Dmitri is glad to have his message heard by allies alike.However it is unclear how many fascist dogs are going to attack the Rail lines.There were probably Thousands including armor alikes.He ordered atleast 6 mens to scout out the Germans numbers and powers that is heading here.

[Palonitr and Howland]

June 22nd 1941
Midday
Central Defensive Lines


Constantin's squad of scouts had run back towards his lines in terror. He feared for the worst but kept up appearances of being a tough, untouchable man for his men. He spoke to his scouts.

"Sgt Vasily, where are the german dog's positions? Battalion needs them soon if we are to fight the facist dogs effectively. "

Sgt Vasily then proceeded to tell Constantin that a company sized german troops were approaching their lines. Constantin sighed and sent the man back to his squad's position. Constantin sighed and returned to his command post by the old barn which he used to spy across the whole treeline where the Germans would be pouring out.

"Orlov, get me battalion on the horn"

Orlov quickly spoke some words that escaped Constantin's hearing. He waited for awhile, spying at the treeline when the first German attackers fired the shot. There on, all hell broke loose. Germans started taking potshots at his barn while hiding in the treeline while his men fired from their trenches at the Germans hiding by the treeline. He thanked whatever that was out there that they were only facing infantry, at least for now. Orlov then gestured that he finally had battalion. Constantin took a shot with his Mosin Nagant and hit a German by his knee and got on the radio.

"This is Jr Ltn Constantin of 2nd Platoon/1st Company. The facist dogs have started their assault on my position. Recon estimates company size infantry force. No armor as of yet. We'll hold out as long as we can but its just my platoon here against the whole German Army on the center. Any and all reinforcements are appreciated."

Then he received a transmisson from one of the tank commanders.

"Comrade Tyscollivich, thats a negative. German dogs have reached our positions and we're taking on a assault. Good luck Comrade."

He took his rifle and started firing back at the Germans when a Half Track arrived and started hailing a storm of bullets on his defensive lines. He sighed and ordered his men to attack the Half-Track with RPG-1s.

[Nasaira]

Dmitry Zohokolav

Junior Lieutenant Dmitry sat amongst his men at the camp drinking coffee and telling jokes and sharing stories of home. The atmosphere was one of joy and friendship, all the men respected Dmitry not because he was an officer but because he took care of them just like they were his brothers.

But the joy was quickly silenced with the sounds of war in the distance. The sounds were of artillery, Dmitry quickly stood up and placing his whistle in his mouth he blew air until his face turned red sounding alarm.
" Quickly comrades quickly!! I want the platoon formed up squad leaders take charge and get an ammo check. And someone radio HQ for orders."

The men all rushed to form into their platoons with all men grabbing their rifles and ammo. The platoon sergeants performed their task and got an ammo count on every man. Finally a response came back from HQ.
" Sir a message from the Colonel, we are to hold our position."

Dmitry looked at their position, holding this position would be suicide but it was also be suicide to disobey the order. Then Dmitry had a thought and noticed a small trench. Turning back to the senior sergeant.
" do you see that trench there? Have a squad set up two machine guns there to provide fire on the german flank when they get here."

Dmitry then radioed HQ with a statues update.

[Hohenstaufen-Germany]

[...]
The battle in the skies was about to begin as the planes of the 245th and the Il-2 bombers flew overhead. Dovorov knew most of those planes had no radios so he had to trust that his earlier orders were clear to the pilots - defend the Il-2 at all costs, focus attention on the enemy armor. The Il-2 sorties are not to stop under any conditions besides having all been shot down.
[...]

22 June 1941.
Nearing Midday.
Alexandra A. Kasakow.
Kasakov was surprised for a moment.
Their priority was to protect the Il-2s at all costs, she had made that very clear to her girls. Shooting down the Stukas was more or less secondary. If one of them got one in their sights, they wouldn't hesitate of course, at least Kasakov wouldn't, but that wasn't their objective. Best way to protect the Il-2s? Hunting the enemy fighters down.
The Junior Lieutenant threw a quick glance over her shoulder, her wingwoman, Federov, was still there, but the other two had broke off, Kretov in the lead, hunting for one of the Germans, who broke off individually.
Either this was a trap or he was just an unexperienced boy. Thanks to no radio, she was unable to warn her comrades.
Kasakov hoped for the latter, but she didn't have the time to occupy her thoughts with that. She had two own Germans to hunt.
These two had set their sight onto their own Stukas, rejoining them as escorts. Kasakov and her wingwoman made a tight turn towards the planes. With the guns ready, they set their sights onto the enemy planes.
Unbeknowst to her, her two other flight pilots slowly caught up to the second German and opened fire from an appropriate distance, missed however. The German began to maneuvre wildly, trying to shake them off, while at the same time slowly luring them towards the German Lines.
She and Federov however saw the two Germans in their famed Bf 109s rejoining their Stukas without many problems.
Two German fighters?, Kasakov thought for a moment. She had aligned her sights nearly perfectly on the rear fighter, as bullets soared past her little plane.
Dangerously close.
Surprised and panicked, she lost aim, broke off and lost Federov out of her eyes.
Fighter Training and Evasive Coordination payed off now, even without radio. Kasakov began to turn around, evading the enemy and his fire, while looking through her canopy - she needed to know, where the German was, where Federov was.
More bullets showed her, where the German was, namely right in her back. On her tail.
In one turn, she saw the German, right behind her. She made an Immelmann turn - an U-turn upwards, while Federov was still to be seen.
The German didn't try to mimick her maneuvre, he made a wide upwards turn, while Kasakov made a sharp downwards turn. She had him in her sights first, fired.
Missed.
The message arrived, the German broke off.
Two Germans and four Stukas remaining. The latter were most likely selecting targets, the fighters escorting them in case more Soviet fighters came.
Their own Il-2s were doing their job as well, making a shallow approach to fire their 20mm ShVaks on the target, namely the German tanks. The plane's pilots weren't really used to their planes, but they were doing their best.
With the German fighters occupied, they were able to do so - if they were doing so effectively was another question.

[Paddy O Fernature]

22 June 1941 | Approaching Central Defensive Lines | Midday

The grey painted SdKfz 251 sprayed a hail of lead into the Red Army positions with its mounted MG34 relentlessly, raining hot brass down the side of the vehicle onto the ground below as it pinned the Red Army forces down behind whatever cover they had. Suddenly, a large caliber shot rang out and a fist sized orange tracer raced out from a nearby treeline and slammed headlong into the engine compartment of the half track. The vehicles engine revved extensively as the RPM's spiked by a rather large magnitude for a brief moment, before another shot rang out and a second round finished off the wounded beast in a fireball of smoke and flame.

With the vehicle dead in the water, and the engine compartment and front end on fire, the embarked Wehrmacht soldiers hastily attempted to disembark from the vehicle in whatever fashion they could to escape the flames. A few were quickly gunned down in the semi open field by their Red Army counterparts before they could safely make it back to the relative safety of the wooded treeline. The gunner of the PTRD-41 smiled as he looked down his iron sights at the now oily black smoke that corkscrewed lazily across the grassy field from the now burning wreck.

"Vehicle destroyed, Comrade Lieutenant."

Artyom nodded his approval from his covered position nearby, before signaling the advance with his left hand high over his head to his surrounding unit. All around him, the brave men of his unit pulled themselves up from their current positions and with weapons at the ready and sprinted full speed forward toward the covered positions already occupied by another Red Army platoon to reinforce them. The German response was immediate, and incoming fire poured from the German line along the wood line towards the charging soldiers. Artyom crouched low as a string of tracers zipped past his position and impacted the soft ground around him, kicking up little tuffs of earth as they impacted.

With a leap of good faith, the man vaulted over an old wooden fence and found himself face first in the dirt as his booted foot caught the top rung of the fence and tripped him. Muttering a curse, he quickly pushed himself up back onto his feet and finished his sprint toward friendly positions along the rail line.

"Where is you're commanding officer?" He asked breathlessly to a young private who looked rather surprised to suddenly find a officer appear out of thin air in his fighting position.

"In the barn over there, Comrade Lieutenant." Said the man as he pointed to a ramshackle building not far away.

Artyom nodded his thanks, and took a deep breath to steady himself before once again exposing himself to the fray around him. This time though, his travels were more eventful and he quickly found himself standing beside the musty building that was apparently being used as a makeshift field HQ.

"Friendly coming in!" He announced firmly before entering through the barns wooden side door.

"Lieutenant Ivanov of 2nd Company, 3rd Platoon. I'm looking for whomever is in charge here." He said firmly before waiting for a response.

[Joukaai]

Phase One Battle Results

In the Skies

Jn. Lt. Alexandra A. Kasakow lead the first escort mission of the Il-2s. Despite a valiant effort on her and her flight's part, the Germans got the best of them and air support was very limited before the sortie had to break off and return. They managed to hit several German units and tanks, but air support was almost negligible. In the fight, one of Kasakow's flight was shot down, another plane received minimal damage. One Il-2 was also shot down and another took moderate damage.

On The Ground

Jn. Lt. Nikolai Yudenich
On his own initiative Jn. Lt. Yudenich lead his men out to where he felt his guns could best be put to use, flanking incoming German armor. Germans saw his unit early from their fighters in the skies and the German armor redirected to face their front armor against his men. Outside of the protection of the rest of the unit and feeling the full brunt of the German attack, Yundenich's men fell back from their position, the flanking maneuver having failed and them facing becoming completely overrun by the incoming Germans. 20% of his unit was left dead or dying on that hill.

1st Battalion 917th & 1st Company 115th Armor
The German infantry of the 6th Motor Rifles Regiment attacked head-on into the 1st Battalion of the 917th. The 1st Battalion of the 917th was outnumbered 2 to 1, but the battalion was blessed with numerous skilled junior officers who ran the battle masterfully. The 1st Battalion absorbed the brunt of the German assault while the 1st Company of the 115th performed a flanking maneuver. The 6th Motor Rifles, without armored support and being flanked, were crushed by the combined efforts of the Soviets opposing them. The 6th fell back in disarray.

2nd Battalion
Outnumbered 2 to 1 and completely without support from other units, the 2nd Battalion had the difficult job of holding the center against a well coordinated and executed German attack from the 7th Motor Rifle Regiment. The 7th Motor Rifles found they could not break the 2nd battalion and the attack of the 7th Motor Rifles was stalled completely but they were not broken.

3rd Battalion & 3rd Company 115th Armor
The Germans concentrated their armor here, in the hopes of cutting off the Soviet position and quickly capturing the bridge heads. They had superior numbers in terms of tanks. However, the majority of their tanks were the Panzer 38ts which were out classed by the Soviet T-34s. The armor of the 3rd company combined with the infantry support against the German armor and the limited air support they recieved, the German assault on the Soviet left was shattered.

---

Phase 2

Soviet forces to the east and west of the 917th across the river Vilnius were being decimated. Reports were coming in that Germans may have already crossed the River to the North. To the west of the 917th position, their sister regiment of the 817th was being pushed back towards the river and the 817th was forming up to the west alongside the 1st Battalion of the 917th in sector C3. Germans were pressing them hard and the 917th's flank was threatened. The 817th requested assistance against the incoming German 66th Panzer Battalion and the 7th Motorcycle Battalion supporting them. Field soldiers were not being informed of the reports of German advances. They were only informed that the 817th would be falling back to the right flank of the 917th and that the 917th would support them.

----------------------

Colonel Dovorov was elated. For the most part, his men had performed brilliantly. The 917th had absorbed the German attack and repulsed it. This was excellent for it was the first step in his two-part strategy. Dovorov had not expected the German Panzers to have been repelled with such vigor, but he had expected his flanking maneuver on the German left to succeed. The defensive was a temporary situation and the situation had shifted. Dovorov would evolve with the battle. Pointing at the map with a leader command whip, he pointed at sector B4, "I want the 3rd Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Armored company to press the advantage and swing south west into this sector to flank the German Motor Rifle Regiment that the 2nd Battalion has stalled. Together, the 2nd and 3rd infantry battalions will attack the German regiment before them with the 3rd armored swinging further south to envelope the the German regiment here. The defeated panzer unit will need time to regroup and attack and during that time we will have wiped away their infantry support entirely. The 1st Armored Company and 1st Infantry battalion will wheel to the west to face the newly arrived German armored and motorcycle battalions. If they fail, the Germans will be able to drive a wedge between our Regiment and the 817th. This is our new center and it must be held. The 1st infantry battalion will wheel to the west but will hold their position. The 1st Armored company will change course, wheel to the south, but flank in incoming German armor and motorcycle units while the 1st Battalion pins them down. Tell the company commanders that I will personally call in artillery fire to support their position. We have broken the first wave of Germans, let us now kill their entire advance!"

Dovorov was in his element. In war, there was such clarity, such drive and focus. The reports of Germans having crossed the river to the north were what was bothering him the most. He could not allow his men to become disheartened by believing they were being encircled. Dovorov knew the theory the Germans used. If Dovorov's men proved to be too difficult to overrun, the Germans would simply press their advantage where they already had made gains, avoid Dovorov's men until Dovorov and the 917th were completely encircled in a pocket. Once encircled, the Germans would destroy them slowly. "This has to be their strategy" Dovorov thought to himself. His men fighting hard could actually hurt them in the long run by making the Germans wish to encircle them rather than attack. If the German attack was stronger here and Dovorov had commanded his unit to fall back, there was a much greater chance for Dovorov's men to escape this seemingly inevitable future. Yet, no orders to retreat had come down from headquarters. Dovorov knew that if he fell back without orders, he was going to be shot. He shook his head. This was no way to run an army. For now, he would continue to fight, and hopefully to win. Dovorov made a note to himself that after this was all said and done, he would make sure that the rouge commander who disobeyed orders would be shot.

ORDERS
- 1st Battalion Infantry, 1st Company Armor swing to the west to meet oncoming German Armor and Motorcycle battalions.
- 2nd, 3rd Infantry and 3rd Armor Company are to attack, flank, and destroy the German 7th Motor Rifle Regiment.
- 2nd Armored Company is being held in reserve.
- Fighters are to continue escorting Il-2 bombers who will focus their attention on the west in support of the 1st Infantry Battalion against incoming German Panzers and motorcycle battalions.

[Nivok Baves]

Danzebrov was shaking with adrenaline from the fighting, hardly believing that he and his tanks were somehow still alive. Peering put of the small optics, he spotted multiple burning Panzers sitting there which moments earlier had contained lives caused him to shudder, the thought that he had ordered the deaths of humans was something he never thought himself possible but yet here he was. Suddenly the radio in his tank crackeled with new orders, yanking him from his thoughts for the time being, he listened intently as he was informed what to do. Picking up his own radio he signalled his other tanks "Alright Comrades, it appears that we are to love westwards to counter the retreating fascist dogs. First one to capture one of their flags gets a bottle on me" he dared, secretly hoping he could pick up some sort of souvenir from all this bloodshed. He looked down at his driver, signalling him to start driving, prompting the engine to roar to life as it powered on, the smell of burning metal and bodies filled the small cabin but they ignores it while they pressed onwards.