Battle Of Sokolovo*
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Date: March 8, 1943*
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Battle Location: Sokolovo, Ukrainian SSR*
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Battle Type: Czechoslovakian defend vs German assault*
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Description: 
1st Czechoslovak Independent Field Battalion arrived to freshly recaptured
Kharkov at 1st March 1943 and was ordered to defend area southeast from
Kharkov to prevent Axis from crossing the Mzha river.*
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Three companies deployed along the river which was frozen at the time.
Decision was made to deploy 1st platoon on the southern bank of the Mzha
river in Sokolovo village, while other two companies stayed on the northern
bank of the river, trying to cover as much area as possible.*
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After fall of the 78th Guards Infantry Regiment at Taranovka, Germans advanced
north and reached Sokolovo at 8th March. Two hours after brief probe, elements of
6th Panzer Division started to assault the village. Czechoslovakian troops, with 
only limited anti-tank weaponry were soon pushed out of their positions and established
defensive perimeter around the church in the village.*
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Before loss of link to higher HQ, lt. Jaros was able to call for
reinforcements, however only one infantry platoon was able to traverse the frozen
river. Few tanks from 179th Tank Brigade were stopped, after first tank to cross the 
river broke through the ice.*
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At 1900, Czechoslovakian troops retreated towards the river and eventually
crossed it. Second day, there were attempts by 2nd Platoon to retake Sokolovo,
but were cancelled due to high losses. At 10th March it was quiet and at 12th
March whole unit was ordered to retreat, as the Germans recaptured Kharkov and
danger of encirclement was imminent.*
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Notes: If played against the AI the human player should take the
Czechoslovakian side.*
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Source: Internet.*
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Design by: Tomas Volka.**
