Everyone is standing at attention. "Volunteers only - one step forth!" We are to conduct a recon mission. Why it’s needed? It does matter not. Who’s with me? What’s our group? So, Borisov... So, Leonov... Plus, there’s this fellow troop From the second light battalion! We are crawling with our heads in daisies: "Hey, staff sergeant, don’t you fall behind!" Battlefront has two front lines, two faces: Ours, and there’s the enemy’s front line. Who’s with me? What’s our group? So, Borisov... So, Leonov... Yes, there’s this fellow troop From the second light battalion! Wires were cut without a hesitation: Night is dark, and nothing could be seen. Twenty steps ahead are foreign helmets, Donned with same idea: brains to shield. Who’s with me? What’s our group? So, Borisov... So, Leonov... Oh, there’s this fellow troop From the second light battalion! Soon we’ll get our Moaning Minnie visit: Zero six: they start the shelling fast. It’s all right. We will proceed with business. Well, Godspeed, it’s time for us to start. Who is following me? So, Borisov... Where’s Leonov?! Are you alive? Hey, kid From the second light battalion! One dugout was blown, a pillbox’s spotted, I won’t leave a bullet for myself. And this fellow, wish I knew him better, Surprisingly is very well behaved. Next time whom to invite? Where’s Borisov?... Where’s Leonov? But this boy’s still alive, From the second light battalion. The OP. These guys must be elated, But they took caps off because of us. That’s a right move. Two are in the heavens. Two are ready to be called at once. Who’s with me? What’s our group? Where’s Borisov?... Where’s Leonov? Only this fellow troop From the second light battalion! ...I am standing calmly at attention. This time I am facing all my men. Looks like I received a commendation, Some award was mentioned with my name. Next time whom I should take? Where’s Borisov?... Where’s Leonov? And went silent this lad From the second light battalion.
© Kirill Tolmachev. Translation, 2020