14915. Back on Reconnaissance
After becoming a sniper, I did not break my ties with my friends
in reconnaissance. Even now we often had to work together.
I sometimes went with them on missions, carrying my own
personal weapon – in case I needed to support them with sniper
fire. Occasionally, I also used to go out on reconnaissance alone or
in command of a group.
On one August evening in 1942 I was summoned to the
battalion command post. I sensed that something was going to
happen, because they would not call me just for the sake of it;
at that time I found myself in a special position, being listed as
a regimental sniper, although for ‘housekeeping purposes’ I was
part of 2nd Battalion.
I reached the command post and reported my arrival as usual.
Apart from the battalion commander, the general staff dugout was
occupied by his deputy for operational matters, a radio operator,
medical orderly Marusia Nazarova and the commander of the
regiment’s reconnaissance platoon.
‘The regimental command has decided to entrust you with a
mission, Nikolaev. The details will be outlined by the commander
of the reconnaissance platoon, Lieutenant Kirsanov. Over to you,
Comrade Lieutenant!’