Flashing Sword of Retribution

[herr_oberst]

After a small impasse due to personal stuff, we carry on this great battle.
The Russian assault of Belgorod is for the time stopped thanks to the reinforced lines with the LSSAH coming from the east.
In Volchansk the Soviets are redoubling their efforts by a frontal massive attack with apparently fresh troops on the Das Reich sector (the open steppe north of the city) ant the eastern tip of the fortified positions of GD.
The damage inflicted on the advancing infantry is great, but also the casualties and fatigue suffered by the defenders are serious. The decision I must make is whether to try holding Volchansk or retreat to the west of the river.
On one hand, the Russians seem on the verge of exhaustion and the fortified city offers better chances of survival than trying to cross a river pursued by the Red Army (which I had suffered at the start of the campaign).
On the other hand, I cannot allow my scarce but mobile troops being held on a battle of attrition favorable to the enemy with their superior numbers and artillery.
The rest of the front is quiet, with the pressure on the south contained by tactical counterattacks by the panzer units.
With the visibility still minimum it is hard to guess the Russian intentions, but the high mobility of the German units and the good railway net grants security against a mayor breakthrough.