northernbook Chapter 186: Battle of Salisk (3)
Chapter 186: Battle of Salisk (3)
As expected, the blizzard didn't last long, gradually abating around 4: PM. Not only did Major Kvesev feel it, but Wang Weiping and others also noticed it. Wang Weiping opened the turret cover, stood up, and began to observe the surroundings through a telescope. Similarly, Major Kvesev stood up and used the same method to observe the surroundings.
At a distance of about 1200 meters, the two men stumbled into each other's sights, instantly recognizing their opponent. Instead of retreating back into their tanks, they peered through their binoculars, their gaze fixed on their opponent, as if to say, "You can't get away, German!" or "Chinese, why have you come to Europe to die?"
The two men also used their free hands to signal the other crew members below. They quickly started the tank and notified the rest of the crew via intercom. In just a few seconds, as the two men slowly entered the tank, thick smoke billowed all around them and the engine roared.
"At 7 o'clock, on a low hill, there's a Tiger tank. His teammates should be around. Everyone, pay attention!"
A crew member of Wang Weiping's crew who was somewhat familiar with Russian sounded the alarm to the Soviet tanks in the squad. Similarly, Major Kvesev sounded the alarm to another Tiger tank.
Major Kvesev knew very well that if he was discovered, he would face several times more enemy tanks and perhaps anti-tank infantry. He ordered the Type 4 tank destroyer to hide. The Type 4 tank destroyer was very likely Kvesev's last straw.
Major Kvesev's two Tiger tanks slowly drove out with each other as support, namely 0377 and 0381. Wang Weiping's M2046 Sherman No. 4 also accelerated and rushed over. Two T-2s appeared around him, namely, and another two were quietly hiding beside the destroyed tanks, namely, and there were two more tanks, which slowly detoured left and right, trying to occupy the terrain on both sides and form an encirclement of the German army.
This was a simple tactic discussed by Wang Weiping and his men. The enemy had two Tiger tanks, and it was unclear how many were hiding, so they could only adopt a conservative combat approach. At the same time, the Chinese and Soviet tanks were also calling for support from friendly forces around them.
The two sides narrowed the distance to about 800 meters. 0377 stopped and the turret began to rotate. He locked onto the M4 Sherman, while 0381 continued to advance. He wanted to use himself as bait to force one side to advance quickly to deal with him.
2046 Sherman saw the German Tiger gun pointed at him and immediately began to accelerate, closing in quickly to use his speed to interfere with the Tiger and prevent it from accurately aiming at him. However, he stopped first and fired at 0377's tracks.
"Boom!" The shells hit the tracks of 0377 and did not cause any damage to the Tiger, but the brief vibration made the gunner pause for a moment, and the muzzle could not keep up with the speed of 2046 Sherman.
0377 quickly stabilized, and the muzzle continued to follow the 2046 Sherman. "Boom!", the 88mm extended caliber tank gun shell was fired and flew towards the Sherman.
Wang Weiping had been waiting for this moment. He shouted, "Stop the car!"
"Whoosh", the shell flew past the reactive armor on the left side of the Sherman turret, making the crew break out in a cold sweat.
"Damn it, I missed!" Major Kvesev cursed inwardly and immediately ordered the driver to reverse. He had to try to avoid the enemy's artillery fire before the loader reloaded.
The hidden one couldn't wait to open fire. He wanted to destroy the tracks of the 0377 Tiger and force it to stop, so that the Tiger would have no chance of escaping.
"Boom!" The shell hit the side armor of Tiger 0377 and bounced off. The crew of Tiger 0377, including Major Kvesev, were startled. Another one, and there were now 4 enemy tanks. The ratio was now 1 to 2.
"No. 4, deal with the hidden T-34!" Major Kvesev immediately gave the order to the No. 4 tank destroyer.
Tank Destroyer No. 4 immediately adjusted its angle and aimed at Tank Destroyer No. 5831, hiding on the side of a scrapped tank. "Boom!" the same 88mm armor-piercing round flew towards it at high speed, but the thick smoke from Tank Destroyer No. 4's firing also exposed it. Tank Destroyer No. 4, who had already circled back into position, shouted loudly, "Hide quickly, Tank Destroyer No. !"
"Boom——", it was hit, but fortunately due to the angle problem, although the shell penetrated, the metal jet impact area was very small, only injuring the gunner, some non-metallic parts were ignited, and the tank emitted thick black smoke.
"Destroy one!" Crew member No. 4 was filled with joy. They quickly retreated behind the K2, using its hull for protection. Unbeknownst to him, a circumnavigator on the side had already coldly stared at him, waiting for him to be exposed again.
0377 not only withstood the artillery fire from the enemy, but also withstood the artillery fire from the 2046 Sherman. He loaded the shells and turned the turret while moving, aiming at the first one who fired at him.
"Boom!" 0377 hit the T-34 accurately, shattering it instantly and scattering fragments. The crew was wiped out. Another 0381 also fired, but its positioning was perfect, and 0381 missed.
0381 stopped his car and fired, thinking it was a one-on-one situation, with an absolute advantage. However, the attack missed, and the situation immediately changed. A detour appeared and fired at him at close range, accurately hitting his track. 0381 seemed to have withstood the attack, but in fact, the track was damaged, and he could only move with difficulty, and he could no longer turn.
Seizing the opportunity, they rushed forward and outflanked 0381. If they succeeded, 0381 would be destroyed. The crew anxiously called for the No. 4 tank destroyer. Only if the tank destroyer came out to destroy it could the 0381 Tiger escape.
No. 4 had to take the risk. He knew that there were enemies on the left and there must be enemies on the right as well. He had to seize the opportunity to rescue 0381 and retreat as soon as possible, otherwise he would be hit by other enemies. He called 0377 to cover his right wing and seized the opportunity to rush out.
They had been waiting for this opportunity, and they opened fire first. With a loud boom, the No. 4 tank was hit from behind, instantly bursting into flames. Many of the No. 4 crew members were injured, and the fire spread inside. They knew they had no chance of survival. The gunner, enduring the excruciating pain, fired his final shot at the tank that had just entered his range before it exploded.