The combat prowess of the Cossack cavalry is undoubtedly formidable. Each warrior among them embodies an aura of fearlessness that instills dread in their enemies. Particularly during the age of cold weapons, they were unrivaled. Even after the advent of firearms, their martial capabilities remained significant.
However, as technology advanced and automatic weaponry emerged, the cavalry's sphere of existence has inevitably been constricted. With the rise of armored divisions, the cavalry is gradually being pushed to the periphery of history.
The 8th Panzer Division of the German army, though equipped with rudimentary tanks, still possessed vehicles that could not be easily destroyed by the sabers of the Cossack cavalry.
Thus, when two regiments of Cossack cavalry appeared on the battlefield, gazing at the rumbling mass of metal approaching them, they were momentarily stunned. Some even involuntarily glanced at the sabers in their hands. Were they truly to engage those iron behemoths with mere sabers? The thought caused them to swallow hard. Even the bravest Cossack likely harbored such doubts at that moment.
"Commander, are we really to contend with those iron monstrosities? They appear beyond our capability to confront!" a young Cossack cavalryman asked with a glum expression.
"Coward! The sabers in the hands of Cossack cavalry are indomitable! For centuries, we have vanquished countless foes, earning immense glory for our nation and people," the commander reprimanded.
The Cossack cavalry do not receive salaries; their income is derived primarily from the spoils of battle and the plunder that follows victories. Thus, they exhibit exceptional bravery, eagerly seeking combat, as their livelihoods depend on it.
At this moment, Major General Andrei and Major General Kalski wore equally grim expressions, sensing an ominous feeling, as though they had been deceived.
However, they had reached a point of no return. Retreat was no longer an option; they knew that General Samsanov would surely shift the blame for defeat onto them. Thus, they steeled themselves for the impending assault.
"Attack! For glory! Annihilate those Germans!" Major General Andrei commanded.
"Attack! Kill!" echoed the cries of countless Cossack cavalry as they mounted their steeds and charged forth. The swift sprint of their Don horses granted the Cossacks the power to easily sever heads in battle. Yet, against the German tanks, would their usual tactics prove effective? The answer was a resounding no!
"Oh God! Have those Russians gone mad? Are they truly charging? Do they think they can shatter our tanks?" Lieutenant Colonel Rommel exclaimed.
"Humph! Foolish Russians. Order all tanks to halt their advance and space themselves out. Prepare the machine guns and tank cannons. Eradicate those cavalrymen," Colonel Guderian coldly issued his orders.
One tank after another ceased their advance, their cannons swiveling to aim at the oncoming Cossack cavalry. Simultaneously, the coaxial and hull-mounted machine guns were loaded and ready to fire.
For the armored troops of the 8th Panzer Division, this battle was undeniably exhilarating. The sight of thousands of cavalry charging was a rarity in anyone's lifetime. Yet, they were poised to obliterate these cavalrymen, and the thought filled them with excitement!
"Fire!" commanded Colonel Guderian as the Cossack cavalry approached within a kilometer of the 8th Panzer Division's defenses.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The thunderous fire of the tank cannons unleashed a barrage of 37mm shells into the ranks of the Cossack cavalry. Some unfortunate cavalrymen were hurled into the air, while horses were either killed or grievously wounded, howling in agony. Riders were cast to the ground, trampled into pulp by their own steeds in their frantic dash.
Despite the Cossack cavalry's speed and the relatively low power of the explosive shells, the 8th Panzer Division's tanks inflicted casualties, albeit within an acceptable range.
Major Generals Andrei and Kalski breathed a sigh of relief. Once the Cossack cavalry closed in, their fighting spirit could be unleashed. Surely, victory would follow!
"Machine guns, fire!" As the Cossack cavalry surged within two hundred meters of the tanks, all coaxial and hull-mounted machine guns erupted into a deadly barrage. To maximize firepower, all were equipped with 12.7mm heavy machine guns, delivering devastating force.
"Rat-a-tat-tat!" The deafening symphony of over two hundred heavy machine guns formed a wall of bullets. The Cossack cavalry crashed against this lethal barrage, and the entire formation staggered, as though struck by a tremendous blow.
There was no way to advance without pause; the leading cavalrymen fell, riddled with bullets. The bodies of horses and soldiers piled upon one another, severely obstructing the charge of those who followed, forcing many to rein in their steeds and slow their pace. Those behind, unaware of the carnage unfolding, pressed on with unyielding momentum, resulting in a horrific collision. Many cavalrymen were thrown from their mounts, trampled to death.
The true harbinger of doom remained the machine guns of the 8th Panzer Division. Each gun fired with reckless abandon until the barrels grew too hot to continue without cooling down.
Countless Cossack cavalrymen were brutally cut down beneath the relentless hail of German fire. Many horses and cavalry were left riddled with bullets, reduced to mere carcasses.
"Oh God! How is this possible?" Both Major Generals Andrei and Kalski, observing from the rear, were left aghast. They could scarcely believe the grim reality unfolding before them.
"Damn it! How can the Germans wield such formidable firepower? To charge against an entrenched position of machine guns with cavalry is akin to hitting a stone with an egg; it is a death wish!" Major General Kalski cursed vehemently.
But realizing this too late, the consequences were dire. Their two regiments of Cossack cavalry were being methodically decimated under the overwhelming might of the German firepower.