The newly formed 21st tank Brigade for its first operation was ordered to conduct a deep raid into the rear of the German forces attacking Kalinin. A column of T-34s, led by Major Lukin, including several new T-34s equipped with high velocity 57mm guns in place of the normal 76mm guns, led the way. Their only support were the tank riding infantry clinging to the back of the T-34s. Ordered to disrupt German supply and support operations, the column first ran into a supply convoy. The tanks shot up the convoy, crushing many of the trucks under their tracks. After finishing the convoy, Major Lukin had his tanks cross the Kamenka River near Troyanovo. Coming up out of the river, Lukin's tank came under a hailstorm of fire. The column had run into the long 150mm guns of the 611th Heavy Artillery Battalion.
Attacker: Russian (21st Tank Brigade)
Defender: German (611th Heavy Artillery Battalion)