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[Casojin]

The Great War

Prologue

In 1946, Albert Einstein had completed a project, which would change history forever. It was called chronosphere. He traveled back in time to 1924 and removed Hitler from history, hoping that he could end World War 2 and created a world of peace. But after he came back, altered history was unexpected. Without German invasion, Soviet union, a new world power, invaded European neighbors in 1942 and the great war had begun from that moment.

European people had gathered all remaining countries that were still free to form and Allies forces to defend their home. 2 Officers were chosen to take command, General Von Esling from Germany and General Stavros from Greece.

Soviet invasion was successful. In less than a year, Soviet forces could occupy Eastern Europe. Allies forces mounted reckless counter-attack, which could only slow down Soviet forces a bit for planning defensive measures. Oder river had became important
strategic point to hold Soviet forces off Germany. In early 1944, Allies forces started to build up defensive lines along the bridge across Oder river. It seemed to be last attempted to prevent Soviet from reaching Berlin.

[Casojin]

Chapter 1

Sergeant John Renard woke up as sound of explosions came up about a few kilometers away. He stood up to see the rest of his squad. Everyone had already awoken. He Stared to each of them and ordered them to stay calm. Sky was still dark.

"I'm going to see captain Stewart. Hold up right here." he said to his fellow men and walked slowly into a bunker about 150 meters from their position.

These men were British soldiers in First Battalion of Third Infantry Division who were sent to hold the bridge across Oder river. Days after days of fighting cut them off from the rest of the division while Soviet forces kept pushing toward Germany. Their supply line was real thin after air-raids from Soviet's Yak squadron. The situation is becoming more desperate as the scout spotted more Soviet troops were on the way.

"Excuse me, Captain!" called Renard as he entered a bunker.

"What is it, Sarge?" asked the captain who was planning defensive strategy with officers from other companies.

"I'm asking you for a permission to go for recon, sir." said Renard in cold tone.

"Recon? Hmm...all right. I want you to collect information about strength of Soviet forces that are heading toward our line. Do not engage in any contact. We've already shorthanded overhere. I don't want more casualty." replied the captain, "Dismiss!"


Corporal Edward Davy picked 2 magazines of .45 caliber rounds. He hoped to have more ammo but he needed to spared some for the others in the squad. Sergeant Renard had chosen them to go out in recon mission. He put one of 2 magazines into his sub-machinegun. Davy was from Scottland while most of the men in this squad were from England. He had heard about Soviet forces defeated German army at Warsaw, 2 days ago. This was worse than anyone expected. If this line fall, Soviet forces would march into Berlin quite easy without much resistant.

"Edward!" a tall man who was carrying a rifle called him. That was William Shanks, who was his best friend.

"Well, how're you doing?" Davy smiled as he asked.

"I supposed to get at least 8 clips. But look at this, only 5 clips." he muttered.

"Bill, we don't have much ammo. You know that." replied Davy, frowning.

"Quiet, you two. We're moving out." ordered the sergeant.

They walked out slowly through the shadow of darkness in early morning, heading on to the direction of explosions they saw.


CHAPTER1 HASN'T ENDED YET....

[Detail]

Intresting. I feel this would have been better if you had finished chapter 1 before posting.

The phrase "we only let you have it when it's ready" springs to mind.

[Casojin]

Intresting. I feel this would have been better if you had finished chapter 1 before posting.

The phrase "we only let you have it when it's ready" springs to mind.

Chapter 1 is finsihed but it was very very long. So I post it seperately.


"Krandov! Get me that map now." shouted a furry face Soviet general.

"Yes, comrade general." his aide replied and put the map of Poland-Germany on the table.

Officers of Soviet regiment stood around the table. Only one who was sitting was a general. General Sergei Trandov was in command of Soviet armor division. His plan was to attack and hold up all bridge along Oder river to let Soviet forces march across to attack Berlin. And at the moment he was planning his assault.

"As you can see, our plane reported that allied forces are trying to hold the bridge across the river. The report tells us that this position," He paused and pointed to the bridge to the Southern part, "has caused us a lot of trouble. Those Allies' dogs have defeated 2 of our infantry divisions that tried to attack. And now command has sent us here to crush them to a pile of debris. We have to show them the Soviet power. Now get your tanks moving!"
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Renard used hand signal to order his men to get down. What he saw seemed to bring his nightmare to become true. He was on the hill and staring down at Soviet tank assembly area. Hundreds of tanks parked motionless as their crews were preparing themselves for something. Far away he saw wreckages of Allies tanks with acrid smoke floating up. Renard waved his left hand and pushed himself up from the ground.

"Get back to our line, hurry." he whispered.


As he reached the line, he hurriedly ran to the bunker that he expected to see Captain Stewart. Sun had already risen from the edge of the sky. It seemed that Captain Stewart wasn't surprise with Soviet movement.

"I've heard that they might have come. I'm preparing for defense. We got AT gun now, Sarge." Stewart said with calmness, "What you need to do now is get some equipment from our just arrived convoy and prepare for a fight."

Just arrived convoy? he thought, Finally but a bit late is better than never come.

"Sir." Renard saluted captain and walked out.


"Finally supplies have reached us." yelled Shanks cheerfully.

Davy didn't hesitated to pick up some magazines from ammo crate. He saw men from another company took mortar away. Then he turned to his sergeant, "Why ain't we got those mortar, sir? We would be able to kick those Soviet away for some distance."

"Mortar is too risky to frontline as they told me." answered Renard.

"Are we going to get Bazooka, sir?" asked Davy again.

"You just go and pick one." Renard replied without turning to him.

Just one? I don't bloody believe it. Davy thought and grabbed a Bazooka from the back of the truck as he told Shanks to get Bazooka rockets.

Suddenly everyone could feel vibration. And then Renard quickly ordered his men to return to frontline. They ran across the bridge as quickly as they could. Sound of water streaming was disturbed by the sound of tank shells hitting dirt. Some men started loading up AT gun and fired. Davy got down as soon as he reached the trench.

"Enemy tank, 1 o'clock." shouted one man.

"Load that Bazooka, Davy." ordered Renard.

"Bill! Give me a hand here." as Davy aimed he called for Shanks to load his weapon.

"You're ready." Shanks slabbed Davy's shoulder as he finished loading up a rocket.

Davy aimed toward the nearest tank and pulled a triggered. A rocket streaked out and hit on the right track, which broke down quickly. Explosive shells hit the dirt as machineguns spray their bullets to Allies troops.


In the bunker, Stewart grabbed a radio and started calling for help, "Hammer 3, this is Warrior 6. Come in. Over!"

"Warrior 6, this is Hammer 3. Over!." that was a reply.

"I need artillery support on grid 84501267, immediately. We're under attack. I repeat. Requesting artillery support now. Over!"

"Please specify your target. Over!"

"Tanks. Battalion of tanks. Ov..." then wall collapsed.

"We're preparing to barrage. Out!" Hammer 3 replied for the last time.


"Keep firing." yelled Renard as he shot at infantries that walked along the tanks.

Davy fired another rocket, which hit a turret and smashed the tank into pieces. AT gun fired to support them from the other side of the river. Then Shanks slabbed his shoulder again.

"What is it?" he asked loudly.

"I have no more rocket." Shanks told him and aimed his rifle toward Soviet.

Davy threw Bazooka away and pulled up his sub-machinegun then started spreading bullets to Soviet forces. It seemed to be like endless tide. But he knew that he had to push on. Sound of bullets whizzed all over the place. Dirt splashed all around him.


I'll post more later.

[Casojin]

Captain Balka Hantov opened the hatch and watched the battle with his binoculars. Tanks under his command must keep suppressing those Allies while other companies strike from other side. But then something unexpected happened, artillery shells fell down like rain. Smashing his tanks swiftly, he ducked and closed the hatch as quickly as he could. Moving tanks in frontline were blown up one by one.

Damn. What should I do? Retreat? Keep pushing? Well if I retreat, general Trandov would have kill me. He thought about the unbearable result of retreat. Perhaps traitor.

"Call general Trandov for me, comrade." he ordered one of his tank crews.

"Yes, sir." without hesitation, a young officer picked up radio and called the command post.


Trandov poured Vodka into his throat and smiled. He thought that these Allies resistants were nothing but reckless attempt to stop Soviet warmachines from reaching one goal, ruling Europe. He would return home as hero of the campaign. But then someone called him.

"General, captain Hantov want to talk to you, sir." reported one of his radiomen.

Trandov grabbed it up and started, "What is it, comrade?"

"Sir, Allies artillery is bombarding us. We're losing too many tanks. Can I called for retreat?"

"Retreat? No retreat or I will shoot you myself. Don't be a coward, captain." yelled Trandov with full rage in his mind. How could Soviet officer think about retreating while winning?

"Sir, we need artillery barrage or we won't make it." said Hantov, his voice seemed like he was whispering upon himself.

"I'll find some for you. Trandov out!" replied the general and he turned to one of officers, "Comrade Lieutenant, I want all mortars to fire upon those Allies right now."

"Yes, sir." that young lieutenant saluted and ran away.


Hantov attempted to attack for last time in his life. His tank headed toward AT gun and fired. First shot was missed. AT gun shot back and blew a tank beside Hantov's. He aimed his machinegun quickly and pulled a trigger. Bullets hit some men at the AT gun but suddenly his tank shook a bit. Followed by a shout from tank mechanic/driver, "Sir, our left track was hit."

"Gunner. Fire at will." he ordered then opened up the hatch and pulled out his pistol.

Another AT round hit the tank hard, driver was killed instantly. But then Soviet mortar started to bombard those troops. He didn't wait for reaction of those men, he quickly shot a man who was trying to find shelter. But then a bullet hit him at right shoulder. He yelled in pain but then grabbed pistol with his left hand and started to fire without aiming.
____________________________________________________________________

Shanks aimed his rifle to one of Soviet tank commander who was shot once by a man who was already down. He saw blood splattered all around the hatch of the tank. Then he pulled trigger. Rifle muzzle flashed as bullet was headed to that unlucky commander. He saw him screamed and then fell upon the hatch. But a moment later mortar shrapnel cut into his chest.

"Ahh...Davy, I'm hit." he murmured before everything went dark.


Renard ducked into trench as mortar hit started to rumbled. He could even hear shrapnels flew above his head. This must be Soviet one. It's too close. He thought.

"Fall back to second line." he yelled and pushed himself up from trench and ran to second line, which was held by trench and sandbags wall.

Some men were killed while moving but one thing he wouldn't forget for the rest of his life was a man blew up to pieces by mortar shell. Blood and flesh shattered all around. Tears started to drop out from his eyes. But then Davy slid down beside him and slabbed him on a back.

"Sir, Shanks is down." Davy said with abnormal tone.

"There is no time to worry. Get those machinegun and keep those Soviet away." yelled Renard as he moved to other men.


"We're being pushed from multiple directions. I want air-support now. Over!" shouted Captain Stewart as he tried to keep helmet on his head.

"Sir, our men've fallen back to second line. We've to move out now or Soviet would get us." a private yelled against sound explosion, "We must get out of here, now."

"Air-support on the way. Out!" a sound came out of the radio in last minute before bullet punched a hole in it.

"Damn. Let's go, private. Find me a new radio as we reach second line." Stewart said as he pulled his pistol out and ran.


Major Albert Swannig was a leader of Stuka squadron. Allies army was equiped with aging weapons while Soviet had more resources to expense on their weapons production and research. Only hope was laid in the hands of their mighty ally, United States of America, which had both resources and scientists to help European Allies. He heard a rumor about jet engine aircraft, was being developed by American. But it was still in prototype stage.

"Hawk squadron! This is Hawk leader. Prepare to engage. Over!" said Major through radio.

Swannig's Stuka lowered down altitude and then 6 Stuka in squadron started bombarding Soviet tanks up ahead. Each bomb was dropped directly to tank turret, which blew up instantly. Stuka turned about and fired machinegun toward Soviet infantries.
____________________________________________________________________

"Comrade general, our tanks are being attacked by German Stuka." said one of radiomen.

"All Flak-tanks move up and provide cover-fire," ordered Trandov, "with haste."

"Yes, sir." replied radioman as he began to transmit order.

Trandov watched Flak-tanks moving to supporting position. We grinned as he saw clouds of black smoke from flak shells bursted out in the dawn sky. Roaring tanks' engines made him feel quite confident on the strike he attempted.

[Casojin]

As Stewart slid down into second line bunker, he pulled out his binoculars and gazed toward the battlefield. He saw German Stuka coming to support but suddenly flak shells started to blasted them. This is not good. He thought fearfully.

"Private! Get me Lieutenant Klyne." he shouted at the private who escorted him here.

"Sir, Sergeant Renard reported that the lieutenant is incapacitated." replied the private.

"Then get me Renard." the captain restated his order.


"Major, Hawk 2 is down." reported a back-gunner in Swannig's Stuka.

"All units. Pulled back." he ordered through radio and turned his Stuka back.

"Sir, what about those ground troops?" asked the back-gunner.

"We can't do anything right now. If we persist, we might do more harm than good."


Renard pulled an emptied magazine out from his sub-machinegun before picked up last magazine. He reloaded quickly and continued to fire. In a matter of minutes, his weapon was emptied. He unholstered his pistol and started firing toward advancing Soviet men. Then a private stopped beside him.

"Sir, Captain Stewart want to see you." the private said out as loudly as he could.

"Can't you see? I'm busy." grunted Renard.


Stewart sat motionless as he tried to contact command post. He called again and again but there was no response. Then something happened, Soviet tank hit the bunker hard and broke entire wall section. Stewart dove for cover as the tank began to explode. A piece of shrapel flew pass his back with 1 or 2 centimeters distance.

"God, that was close." murmured the captain as he got up and started examining tank wreckage. All crews were already dead but the engine didn't stop. So this was the reason why it ran into the bunker. He stepped out carefully and moved back to more secure place.


Colonel Winston Woods, commander of British Twenty-Third Armor Battalion, was looking at the map and kept his ears listening the battle about a few kilometers away. He had an objective to help British soldiers holding the bridge across Oder. His destination was not far by the time. But Soviet had pushed them real hard this time. His battalion was consisted of 2 light armor companies, 1 scout company, 4 medium tank companies and an artillery support.

"Sir, our scout reported that our defensive position is not going to hold on much longer." his aide told him from radio station.

"Hurry up, lad." he said as ducking into tank pit, "Load up, boy."

About ten minutes, Woods' battalion reached the battle scene. Acrid smoke rose up with smell of burning flesh. But British troops had their spirit to fight even how reckless it seemed. Woods' tanks started to push Soviet back and spread across the river. One by one of Soviet tank was smashed to burning wreckage. Even their heavy tanks couldn't withstand the tactic of Allies' battalion. Finally, Soviet force retreated.

[Detail]

Wow. This is getting quite big. Maybe you should think about maing it into a page or small book.

[Casojin]

Yea....it's quite long. Each chapter represents each battle. Let's continue.



"I thought our air-support had cut reinforcement routes." Trandov enraged after his forces had to retreat, "I almost defeat them."

"Sir, may be you might ask command...." his aide was interrupted by his word, "Shut up."

"Contact Colonel Tiranev, I want a joint attack against those dogs." he said with more calmness in his voice.

"Yes, sir." replied his aide instantly.
____________________________________________________________________

Allies Headquarter, classified location.

Supreme commander Von Esling sat in conference room with General Stavros. Professor Albert Einstein walked into a room swiftly. Von Esling stood up and greeted him.

"Professor, glad you're here." said Von Esling.

"I'm sorry that I'm late, my watch wasn't working." replied Einstein.

"What are we going to talk today is about Soviet research project." said Von Esling while Stavros stared at the viewscreen mindlessly.

"As our spy discovered their secret project a few days ago, so called Tesla coil." said Von Esling as he switched on the viewscreen, which was showing a picture of Soviet lab.

"I heard Tesla doing experiment about this, but I'm not sure that he would make it into weapon." Einstein said as he waved his hands around.

"Professor, I think you might be able to tell us, how this 'Tesla coil' worked?" Von Esling asked gently with smile.

"Of cause, Tesla coil could be used to charge up electrical current and project the power surge against target and then burn it up. Amazing, isn't it?" explain the professor.

"This is going to be a problem to us, professor." said Stavros finally.

"I have some invention to help you as well, generals." Einstein raised his voice.

"What is it?" asked Stavros.

"I can't tell you right now. It hasn't finished yet." answered the professor.

"It would be better than do nothing then." muttered Stavros.

"Don't under estimate the power of science, Stavros." said Von Esling as he heard what his fellow general said.

"I must go for now. Good bye, generals." said Einstein as he opened the door and waved his hand then he left the room. Two generals sat quietly, staring out of the window to the professor, who was walking away.
____________________________________________________________________

Inside Soviet headquarter, Moscow.

Joseph Stalin, the leader of Soviet union, was smoking a pipe. Beside him a female commander named, Nadia, sat quietly, checking for documents. In a few moment, a man in a blue uniform entered the room.

"Gradingov. Come in and report." said Stalin softly. Gradingov was his favorite commander at the moment, of cause second from Nadia.

"Sir, our Tesla coil project is going well. But Allies forces are mounting a counter-attack near Germany-Poland border, which caused reaching Berlin schedule delayed." he paused for a moment, waiting to the leader's action.

"Go on." said Stalin still in soft voice.

"Our new aircraft researching progress is quite good. But our naval operations are not effective as we speak, Allies got more supplies everyday from United States. Errm...." Gradingov hesitated to speak somehow.

"What is it, Gradingov?" asked Stalin as he put pipe off his mouth.

"We have a rumor of Allies secret project. We don't have information at all. Just rumor." said Gradingov slowly then he put papers on table and sat down at the other side of Stalin.

"Good, thanks for your report." Nadia said, "We need to do something about this. What is your suggestion?"

"Sending more troops to overrun those Allies dogs and increasing our naval operation through out Atlantic. But I have no idea for the rumor." he said in calm voice.
____________________________________________________________________

Captain Paul Dervie stared out to the vastness of the sea as he was on the bridge. There were rumors about Soviet submarine strike through out Atlantic. So US goverment decided to send some ships to escort cargo ships that would go to Britain. He commanded new Iowa class cruiser, Arizona, which was ordered to escort 3 cargo ships along with 3 frigates.

"Captain, there seems to be a storm heading for us." reported one of the bridge crews.

"Relay my order for everyone to prepare for going through it." ordered Dervie.

"Through it, sir?" that crew hesitated to follow command.

"You heard me." yelled the captain.
____________________________________________________________________


Finally end of chapter 1........

[Casojin]

Chapter 2

For months, Soviet forces tried to break the line and failed. December came at last and brought snow storm along side. Situation became more desperated along Oder line because soldiers couldn't find enough supplies to support the fighting. Soviet airforces destroyed most of supply convoys. And there was rumor that Soviet would make a final attempt to break the line. But no one on Allies side knew what would it be until it was too late.

Sergeant Renard slept in his foxhole with Davy, who was Renard's partner after Shank was gone to the afterlife. Coldness ran through his veins even he covered his body with thick blanket. Snow dropped from sky slowly in late night. Then he woke up, he felt something was really wrong. He never heard gunfire or spotted Soviet men for 3 days. So he woke up at night and kept hearing for the enemy. Something was going to be different that night.

Sound of engines roaring appeared out of nowhere. He closed his eyes but opened his ears wide to listen to any movement. First he thought it might be imagination but Davy woke up as well and muttered something that made him started thinking.

"Shut that sound off. I want to sleep here."

That must be something. Davy hear it as well. As he thought, he slowly opened his eyes and pushed himself up slowly. He fought hard with coldness and took a peak above his foxhole. Then he saw something, shadows moved pass the shiny moon. the moon was clear even it was snowing. He tried to block snow from getting into his eyes and kept observing. Those must be planes, lots of them. They're flying from Soviet side. Oh no!

"Soviet planes!" he shouted out loud.

Everything seemed like chaos at the moment as soldiers got up from their foxholes, gun in hands. In a matter of moment, Captain Stewart walked out from a bunker and cursed something, which Renard couldn't hear.


"Radioman, call everyone and tell them, I want AA guns up running now." Stewart ordered quickly as he ran out with binoculars.

In a few minutes, AA guns along the river started firing 20mm flak shells up into the air. The explosions flashed and lightened up the sky, showing hundreds of planes flying over their head. Siren started to warn the entire Allies forces in Germany.

"This isn't looking good." murmured Stewart.
____________________________________________________________________

[Casojin]

Lieutenant Vladimir Roshenko, stood on the doorway of Soviet cargo plane. He hooked up a parachute to the rail and as the rest of troops did the same. He checked his gun for one last time and turned back to his men.

"Ready to fight, comrade?" he yelled.

"Yes, comrade." entire soldiers' voices echoed along the hull of the plane.

As a red light at side of the door turned green, he yelled, "Let's go."

Line of soldiers started to move and jumped off. One by one went off the plane until the last, himself. He jumped off and held his head as close to the chest as he could. Parachute was pulled out of the pack, causing him to be pulled up a bit. He used his left hand to touch his gun that it was there. Finally he kept staring to the land beneath him.

As he reached the ground, he grabbed his gun and prepared himself. Everyone was spread out. Allies flak shells was rumbling among the dark sky. He gazed toward the rest of the men that were assembling around him. He waved his hand and sat down.

"Gather up." he ordered.

"Sir, 3 are missing." a sergeant reported directly to him.

"Ignore them, command want us to strike them as fast as possible." said Roshenko, who got map and compass out, "We have no time to find them. I want to attack as soon as we're in touch with other units."
____________________________________________________________________

[Casojin]

"Sarge, get your men to the other side of river and help D company defend the Western bank." ordered Stewart, "The rest hold the line up here."

Renard was in charge of a platoon since Lieutenant Klyne lost his leg. He led his men across the bridge. Bullet holes were spread among the metallic structural of the old bridge. After 3 minutes of walking, they reached the Western bank. D company men were entrenching in foxholes. Machineguns placed in different strategic location. 2 AT guns were set to defend both banks of the river. Camouflage nets were covering both gun from snow and spotted by enemy. Renard jumped down into a foxhole, which Captain Bryan Shannon sat still with his rifle on his lap. He gazed toward the captain and saluted quickly.

"I'm ready, captain." said Renard.

"Good, sergeant, I want you to deploy your men on those AT guns. I'm shorthanded here." ordered Shannon, "Not enough men to operate those guns."

Renard turned to his men and said, "Listen up. Second and Third squad, man the Northern gun. The rest, stay with me and man this gun."

"Yes, sir." his men replied instantly.

This battalion was understrength due to Soviet wave after waves attacking. 4 companies were lost in tanks strike and air-raid. 3 weeks ago, Soviet started bombing this place heavily, which caused more casualties. Soviet stopped bombing 4 days ago, left only 2 operatable companies. But lucky that AT guns weren't destroyed. It seemed that AA gunners worked well to keep Soviet planes away. Other battalions of Third were busy defending other bridges. Reinfocement route was cut, only way of delivering supplies was to drop it directly to the lines. Soviet would cross the river sooner or later. Allies forces were spread to thin.
____________________________________________________________________

Roshenko gazed toward Allies position slowly. He knew that Allies had known of their landing. Those flak explosions was enough for him to know that. He had to strike swiftly before Allies units grind them up. He turned to Captain Demitri Boninya, who was commanding officer of his company. The captain's beard turned white due to wind and snow. Boninya just kept looking but didn't even order something. His patient was going out.

"Sir." said Roshenko but his word was nothing but whisper.

"What is it? Don't you see, I'm busy." grunted Boninya.

"We need to attack now or our men will freeze to death." Roshenko tried to yell but not much word come out due to the coldness.

"All right." muttered Boninya, "Here is a plan then."


Roshenko would lead his men to flank Allies position while the rest of the company would draw Allies attention. He had to destroy all AT guns to ensure the safety of tanks forces from the East, which would come in the morning to wipe out entire Allies defensive position. But the problem was laying overhead. How could he and his men sneak in without detection?

"Keep quiet, comrades." he said to his men before seperated from the main unit.
____________________________________________________________________

Renard stared the darkness outside the perimeter. He didn' feel good about this. Soviet tried to strike them from the back or cut supply route. First case wouldn't be much problem because Allies' men were ready for it but the Second one would cause panic among young soldiers. Their morale was degrading as long as they'd been here.

"Sir. Are they going to attack us?" Davy started up.

"I'm not certain. Ask them not me." Renard replied and smiled a bit.

Suddenly gunfire started from far away. Soldiers of D company that were in foxholes got up and returned firing. Renard ordered his men to be ready. AT gun turned slowly toward that direction. Renard lifted his hand up then waved it down, giving signal to fire. Muzzle flashed, 90mm shell flew out and hit the dirt far away. Renard gave a signal again. The same thing just happened. Smoke floated out from the barrel and blocked line of sight. But something was wrong. His men from the other gun yelled, followed by explosion.

"We're being flanked. Everyone, arm yourself." shouted Renard.

At the moment, panic ran through his mind. Soviet wanted to destroy AT gun before marching their tanks across the line. I can't let us fall.

"Runner." he ordered a young private, "Get to the captain and tell him that Soviet is attempting to destroy our gun and crush us with tanks."

"Yes, sir." that man replied instantly and prepared to run but Renard pulled him back.

"Wait for my signal." he said calmly, "Covering fire."

Every single gun bursted out quickly then Renard pushed the private as a signal for him to go. Soviet men appeared from the dark and suppressed Renard's position. A few minutes later, the Northern AT gun exploded in flame.

"Do not let this gun fall." shouted Renard as he got up and spray bullets to Soviet. His men fired repeatedly at Soviet flanking group. But it seemed that Soviet men weren't shorthanded. When one man was down, 2 more men would take over his place.

I wish I got grenades right now. Renard thought.


Stewart stood still as he watched the battle raged on. Then a private stopped at him with urgent face. He turned to him and asked, "What is it, private?"

"Sir, Sergeant Renard want to tell you that Soviet troops are attempting to destroy AT gun and crush us with tank. We've already lost a gun. The other might not hold for long." said the private hurriedly.

"I see. Get me Lieutenant Hefford." ordered the captain.

"Right away, sir." the private ran off quickly.

In a matter of minites, a thin man with blond hair came to Stewart, Hefford. Hefford was one of men, who fought with him since the beginning of the war. He knew he could give Hefford an important work to handle. Hefford never failed him before.

"John, I want you to bring some men to help Renard hold a remaining AT gun." said Stewart quickly, "No time to waste. Bring every man you need."

"Affirmative, sir." replied Hefford, who ran out as soon as he finsihed his word.

"Good luck, John." Stewart shouted as Hefford was runnning to his men.