Ni Shagu Nazad

In the summer of '42, Stalin did decree, With a powerful order for all to see. "Not a step back!" he proclaimed with might, To rally the soldiers, to stand and fight. Penal battalions were then created, For commanders accused and berated. Sent to the front lines, dangerous and grim, To prove their loyalty, to fight with vim. Blocking detachments, a fearsome sight, To shoot the cowards, who caused a fright. But as time went on, the idea did fade, Commanders saw it as a waste, they said. The order intended to boost morale, To show patriotism, for all to recall. But alas, it had a detrimental effect, And not all commanders did it respect. In '44, the order was undone, Blocking detachments were officially done. The situation had changed, it was clear, But the memory of Order No. 227, we hold dear. Random page: GGSS