Part 9/16:
The Soviets, initially caught off-guard in 1941, had since recovered. By 1942, they had rebuilt their factories and modernized their tank forces, notably incorporating T-34 tanks into their arsenal. Soviet units began integrating better equipment, infantry, and defenses, preparing more deliberate and organized resistance.
Soviet Strategic and Tactical Retreats
While Soviet commands issued orders for retreats—aiming to avoid encirclement—the retreats often devolved into disorganized routs. Large units abandoned equipment, and many Soviet soldiers fled rather than surrender, especially as Soviet command and control broke down temporarily under the pressure of German advances.