0126_03: Sudden Night Strike to Shpola - PzC 06 Korsun '44

Shpola, as the Russians broke the line in the east, January 26th 1944: A complex situation had developed by the evening of the 26th of January. Much of the 20th Tank Corps had broken through the German lines and were themselves cut off from their own side. Yet General Lazerev decided to strike out for Shpola, and ultimately toward Zvenigorodka, and a link up with tanks pushing from the northwest. Shpola was the next major place in his path and it was learned the town was prepared for all-round defense. So Lazerev elected to try for a Sudden Night Strike, even before all his Corps could be brought to bear, in hopes that he might catch the battered German defenders off guard. [Size small]