Bob Carruthers - Tiger Command!

Arriving in the Volkhov front, it had proved predictably troublesome to obtain a KV-1, and he found himself having to have a few words with Moscow with regard to future requirements, but, for now, one tank was enough. His new crew was less than inspiring, and he had found it necessary to shoot his first driver. After all, no one wanted to go into action with a driver smelling of vodka.

Sergei Ovanovich, the new replacement, was well aware of the fate of the previous incumbent and was understandably nervous as Korsak began to outline the advantages of his favourite tank, known to the troops as the KV-1.

“As you know, comrades, twelve months of war have seen substantial changes in the design of tanks available to the Red Army. The best of these, you see here. It is the Klementi Voroshilov. You will notice that it has many fine features.”

Korsak began pointing out the advantages of the tank as he spoke.

“It has a good, high road-clearance. It can ford streams 2 metres deep. Its length of 6 metres permits it to span trenches 12 to 14 feet wide. Our comrades in the design teams have worked hard on this machine, and improvements have been made in the track plate, as well as in the method of interlinking them. There are no projections on the outside edges of the track plates on which snow or mud can become firmly lodged. You will notice that the tread of the track has a grid pattern which insures a firm grip in snow and mud, and reduces side-slipping. Thus, snow and mud cleats are not required.

“A new method of joining the track plates has been devised. Observe that each section or plate of the track has nine links, which are interlocked by a full-floating pin. See how the pin itself is held in position by small disks, or lock washers. These in turn are held in place by a spring collar fitting in a recess between each of the nine links of the plate. A broken track pin is thus prevented from working out of the links and causing the track to separate and thereby immobilise the tank… ingenious.

“The contoured turret is cast in one piece and weighs approximately 10 tonnes. The frontal armour of the turret is 90 mm thick and, as I can assure you from long experience, it is exceptionally rugged and capable of withstanding sustained enemy fire. It can be revolved 360 degrees, either by power or by hand. These heavy steel bars you see are laid on edge and welded at the base of the turret to deflect shells which might cause it to jam.”

Korsak now turned his attention to the armament.

“Observe the 76 mm long-barrelled gun, and one 7.62 mm machine gun mounted coaxially. Do not overlook this weapon, as many targets do not require high-explosive. Machine gun bullets will do the job just as well. Conserving ammunition prolongs missions and aids the motherland in her hour of need. You will also note the forward 7.62 mm machine gun. As you know, there are two spare 7.62 mm guns as replacements for the turret or hull guns. Remember that one may be mounted on top of the turret for anti-aircraft fire, or even used on a tripod for dismounted action.

“My concern as commander is the fact that we carry only ninety rounds of armour-piercing and incendiary shells for the cannon. My preferred ratio is 40% armour-piercing, which the loader must ensure are carried at all times. We should also ensure that we have at least 4,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition in drums.”

Korsak now moved towards the rear of the vehicle, the crew following smartly in his wake and hanging on his every word.

“The Klementi Voroshilov is propelled by a 600-horsepower 12-cylinder V-type diesel engine. Unlike the fascists, it is driven through a transmission and final drive to the sprockets at the rear of the tank. The motor is noisier than I would like, but this serves to frighten the fascists. The tank is equipped with both electric and compressed air starters.

“The Klementi Voroshilov carries 600 litres of fuel inboard and can carry an additional supply in saddle tanks. Do not forget to fill the tank at every available opportunity. The normal range of action without saddle tanks is 110 to 125 miles across country.

“Our recent experience of tank warfare has taught the designers many lessons which have influenced this tank design. The turret is located well forward to permit desyanti tank infantrymen to use it as a shield while riding atop the tank. Every provision has been made to prevent unwelcome riders from getting aboard. You will note the lack of external fittings, tools, and sharp projections. You must keep it this way. This uncluttered surface meets the double purpose of eliminating hand grips for enemy hitch-hikers and reducing the chance that a firebomb or other missile could lodge on the tank. Also observe that the fender of the tank is very narrow, so that ‘tank hunters’ who seek to jump aboard run the risk of being caught in the track. As a further protective measure for the tank crew, the hatch in the top of the turret is so constructed that it cannot be opened from the outside. A special tool is required to open the hatch from the inside. Do not, at any time, take it out of the tank, and do not lose it.”

Eventually, Sergei Ovanovich plucked up the courage to speak. “Excuse me, Comrade Korsak, but I was trained on the T-34, and it appears to me that the T-34 is the equal of the KV-1.”

The other crew members stood back in terror, expecting a blast of rage from Korsak, but none came.

“That is an intelligent question, Comrade Ovanovich. The T-34 has indeed a high level of manoeuvrability, and a relatively spacious interior arrangement. It makes the tank a favourite of tank crews seeking comfort over fighting capability. The fascists themselves have expressed the opinion that the T-34 is the most effective tank they have encountered. It can surmount the same cross-country obstacles as the KV-1, except that its length limits the width of the trenches it can jump to about three metres.

“The turret is the problem. I can share with you the information that a bigger turret is in design. You will recall, Comrade Ovanovich, that your previous tank was manned by a crew of four. Your commander also acted as loader. When every second is vital, and watchfulness must be maintained at all times, this is an inefficient and dangerous arrangement. Until that design flaw is overcome, the KV-1 is the deadliest predator on the battlefield, and today, comrades, I shall teach you why. Let us begin.”

The crew piled back into the tank and, under Korsak’s eagle eye, were soon pressing along the road to the front, his new driver responding swiftly to every command.

“Now pull off the highway and aim straight across country,” ordered Korsak.

“But, Comrade Korsak, it’s swamp. We’ll never get through.”

“Has anyone tried? Mother Russia demands courage in her hour of need. If you want to learn to fight with me, you have to learn what is possible. I know the hunter’s route to the Leningrad main road. Every tank man should make it his business to learn what’s possible. Our wide tracks will take us where the fascist machines cannot hope to go.”

To the amazement of the crew, the terrain did indeed prove passable, but the journey was not without its difficulties. Eventually, the KV-1 managed to reach the main Leningrad road, known to the Germans as the Rollbahn Nord, the only supply route of the German force located in the northern wilderness.

Korsak intended to blood his new crew and block that lifeline. He had chosen his spot with extreme care, the KV-1 emerging from the forest at the bottom of a natural dip, the Rollbahn Nord rising straight and true in either direction for a distance of 1,000 metres, which afforded a clear view in either direction.

To their left, at a distance of 700 metres, was a small wooden bridge. A column of trucks was waiting to cross. Through his binoculars, Korsak could see that papers were being checked. To their right, in the distance, Korsak could discern a column of ambulances, halted to allow the supply column heading north to pass. Hugging the tree line, Korsak ordered the font of the tank to be swung south to face the bridge. He was careful to maintain an angle so that the front of the tank did not face directly down the road. The rear and side of the tank was protected by the thick trunks of massive mature trees.