The Soviet advance has been stalled for now. But their fire does not die down. From the ruins, shell holes, and improvised parapets across the battlefield, the Soviets continue to chip away at the German defenders.
The Germans hold on however. They do have the home advantage so to speak, having selected the best defensive positions on their side of town. They are making the Soviets pay for every step they take.
Bullets and shrapnel rain down on the Soviets from every direction.
But the Soviets cling on to the ground they have gained. The fact that they know that a machine gun is aimed at them from the rear is a strong motivator not to retreat.
Every window, doorway, and hole in the wall has muzzles flashing at the Soviets. Each of those flashes might be the last thing a Soviet sees.
A T34 roars forward to support the infantry, but as it turns into the square, it is greeted by the enfilading fire of a King Tiger.
For safe measure, the PAK 40 fires a couple of armor piercing shells into it as well.
The Soviets bring forward a mortar to try to break the stalemate. Its shells add up to the gradual softening of the German defenses.
The Germans counter with their own mortar fire from across town. Their barrage can be directed quite accurately against the Soviet mortars from the high ground of a bridge in the industrial sector.
But this buys the Germans little respite. Suddenly, a messenger rushes towards the German command post.
The Soviets have been spotted initiating a flanking move through the southern part of town. If they succeed, they could roll up the German defenders from the side, taking over the buildings at the western edge of the square. That would place them right next to the factory.
The situation is turning critical for the Germans. They must quickly confirm the report and reassess the situation.
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