Lt Pringle's "Bloody Battle for Maltot" (Chain of Command): Part 2

The FOO, Bombs, was quickly 'on net' and active, humming quietly to himself. The incoming rounds of MG42 were of little real interest. Jerry's shooting was off today, the bullets mostly passing harmlessly overhead. "How soon do you want it in Pringle old boy? You know we are technically danger close!" queried Bombs. "No point making a mess of it Bombs, take your time and bring it in steady, it's going to be a long, long day by the looks of it" answered Lt Pringle. The battery duly sent in a ranging round which landed spectacularly smack on target. "Corker and a bit of a pity" thought Bombs, "A 'fire for effect' would have beautiful!" Still smirking with satisfaction Bombs raised the receiver to his lips, but just before calling in the barrage he took one last peak through the binoculars for any last minute adjustments. He caught sight of the muzzle flash, but the bullet had already smashed through his brains before Bombs registered the danger. Barker Tango Five was off air, Lt Pringle witnessed the body's bloody recoil and flying bits of wireless set. He was alone, feeling a bloody fool for letting Bombs set up in a hot position, despite his initial foreboding, Bombs had thought it better to get in sooner rather than later. Never underestimate Jerry (see below, Bombs RIP skull counter):

The 'fire-base' kept up a constant dual with the MG42 team in the church steeple. The Brens were getting the better of it but a cry from a British rifleman confirmed that the traffic was not all one way (see below):

However "trade" had been far heavier back to the church, the MG42 fell silent with all the team dead, the floor slippery with the wet blood. The baseline Bren team turned its attention to the courtyard MG42 team taking up position (see below):

The British infantry pushed forward taking advantage of the lull in harassing fire (see below):

Lt Pringle had managed to return to the point where he had reached the day before. He knew he had to keep the pressure up on the Germans. Movement was the key (see below):  

So far the British had the best of it, however the potential of the MG42 to inflict devastating casualties always distilled caution into Lt Pringle. Already too many of 16 Platoon won't be returning home (other than in a box) because of this "disrespect".