Kutuzov returns to the offensive

Conditions on Mordecai Secundus had improved sufficiently by 11.020M42 for General Kutuzov to once again consider offensive actions. The first priority was the salient the chaos forces had driven into his lines, now occupied by forces of the Dark Mechanicus who were busy fortifying their new positions.

 

In order to disrupt the enemy progress, Kutuzov planned an envelopment, and the Hammers of the Emperor would provide the force that would spearhead the attack and cut off the salient from the rest of the chaos lines. The Imperial Guard would then mop up the pocket once the Dark mechanicus and cult forces were isolated.

 

The astartes led the way using the power of a land raider crusader. Driving into the heart of the Dark Mechanicus positions from an unexpected direction, the chaos force was thrown into confusion. Charging out with melta weapons and thunder hammers, the battle became a focal point, drawing in forces from the salient and weakening the pocket. By the time the Hammers withdrew from the battlefield the damage had been done. the chaos pocket had been pinched out and Kutuzov's follow up with an Imperial Guard advance spelled doom for the remaining forces inside the isolated enclave. By 2411.020M42 the Imperium had straightened their line and prepared to fight once more for the Abrax mines complex.