Steel Soviet Union

Malashenko, who was holding the radio transmitter in his hand, felt a little nervous while waiting. As his fingers stretched one by one, beads of sweat were already clenched in his thick leather plus velvet gloves. Malashenko was quite worried. Suddenly the news came from the other end of the transmitter that "the Germans have arrived with a large support force."

Fortunately, luck is still on Malashenko's side this time.

"Comrade Division Commander, the latest news! The reconnaissance force reported that a group of our IL-2 attack aircraft were conducting bombings. Rockets and aerial bombs turned the German position into a sea of ​​​​fire. The enemy lacked effective anti-aircraft weapons and had no air force reinforcements. "

"Captain Alexi asked what to do next. He requested to lead his troops to attack the enemy's position and capture the enemy's position with the cooperation of the aviation unit."

The group of Il-2s that had just passed over their heads were here to help him, and were now launching a surprise attack on the small palm-sized position of the Germans. This was the first thing Malashenko could make clear.

But the second point that follows is not so easy to decide.

Captain Alexi is the latest commander of the reconnaissance company directly under the division headquarters promoted by Malashenko. Under his command are 16 specially improved T-70 reconnaissance tanks equipped with additional high-power communication radios.

For this reason, an extra equipment compartment was welded behind the T-70's mini turret, because the internal space of this thing is too crowded and cramped, and the human-machine function is so bad that it can't fit in it at all. For additional high-power vehicle-mounted radios, if you don’t do some work and improvements behind the turret, there will be no room for upgrades.

Malashenko personally sent people to investigate and review the details of Alexi.

This comrade is also a veteran who has been fighting in the Great Patriotic War since 1941. He has been driving small BT fast tanks and various old models of light reconnaissance tanks. I spent two or three years in circles during the Great Patriotic War in a small car. Although I narrowly escaped death many times, I miraculously survived from those small cars to the present, which is a legend.

During the formation of Stalin's 1st Guards Tank Division, Alexi, who was experienced in combat, was sent over.

Malashenko, who was worried about a reliable candidate for the commander of the reconnaissance company, immediately fell in love with Alexi, who was still a captain at the time. After two hours of in-person interview, Malashenko made a decision on the spot to upgrade Alexi to the rank of captain, and then let him immediately assume the position of commander of the reconnaissance company directly under the division headquarters.

Regarding the personal appointment of Comrade Division Commander, Alexi, who has long been accustomed to driving a small tank, did not complain at all and was extremely happy. He was ready to fight and prove himself on this stage where there is more room for performance and fists. value.

Now, Alexi, who was ordered to go out to conduct reconnaissance, find out the enemy's situation, and clear the way for the following large forces, had a total of 9 light reconnaissance tanks at hand. The remaining ones were not in the same direction as him and went to the flanks to conduct reconnaissance.

In addition, he also brought a platoon of infantry with him, but he only had light weapons in his hands. As a tank knight, he was unable to carry heavy infantry weapons along with him.

Objectively speaking, with such a small force to attack a group of German infantry stationed in a position and equipped with a small number of towed anti-tank guns, it is impossible to allow Alexi's bold plan as long as Malashenko is not crazy.

But now, the situation that was originally impossible to win has become a bit erratic due to the sudden and unpredictable factors, and it is impossible to draw conclusions immediately.

It can't be defeated simply by relying on so few ground troops, but what if you include the Il-2s in the sky who are still diving and bombing? You must know that Malashenko, who witnessed the roaring war eagles flying above his head, could clearly count the number of Il-2s in the group. He could clearly see the fully loaded external stores under the wings while flying at low altitude. Dark rocket.

If you include the aircraft cannons, machine guns, and the invisible iron bombs hanging in the belly bomb bay, the six Il-2s swooping down at once would undoubtedly be enough for the German infantry of that battalion to drink a pot. Yes.

It is unlikely that the entire army will be wiped out by the explosion, but without the support of anti-aircraft weapons and fighter jets, it will definitely suffer heavy casualties. The comparison of forces in this way is worthy of careful consideration and careful study.

Should we continue to attack or continue to observe and wait for the arrival of the large forces? This is a question worth thinking about.

Malashenko, who never put down the microphone in his hand, was playing a fierce psychological game, repeatedly weighing the possibilities of victory and defeat as well as all the pros and cons in a short and unwasteable time.

What sounds like a long time is actually very short, less than a few seconds.

When Malashenko pressed the communication button on the microphone again, words as resolute and firm as the look in his eyes immediately blurted out.

"Tell Alexi to immediately gather all the troops at hand and rush towards those Germans! Don't wait for the Il-2 ammunition in the sky to be used up before going up. Go up against the air attacks of those Il-2s! Don't worry Accidental injury, I believe that the comrades in heaven will catch those Germans by surprise no matter what!”

The brief silence on the other end of the transmitter seemed to be recording an order from the division commander. The correspondent's reply came from the other end soon and drifted into Malashenko's ears.

"Understood, Comrade Division Commander, I will convey this to Company Commander Alexi right now."

The end of one communication means the beginning of the next one. The non-stop Malashenko is ready to play a big game. He is determined to test his new skills with the group of Germans who are about to be bombed and slaughtered. The power of toys.

"Kurbalov, can you hear me?"

"Yes, I can hear it, very clearly, Comrade Commander."

"The reconnaissance force is in trouble up front. There is a battalion of Kraut infantry taking up a position in a deserted place."

"Alexi is leading a reconnaissance company and a platoon of infantry to attack, and there are Il-2s in the sky to support them. Send out all the medium tanks you can mobilize! Step on the accelerator and go to the location where the battle breaks out as quickly as possible. Charge, just go forward about 10 kilometers along our established route. After arriving at the battlefield, we will immediately enter the battle. The follow-up troops will arrive soon, and the main force of your regiment will also accelerate forward!"

Kurbanov's main 1st Tank Regiment continues to serve as the vanguard of the large force. The IS6 heavy tanks under his command that have been fully refitted are the most effective and fastest heavy equipment to support the battlefield. The assault speed of the IS6 heavy tank speeding at full speed is completely unmatched by the IS2, and the IS4 under Malashenko cannot be compared with it.