Fierce fighting unfolded throughout Smolensk's urban districts. Four army corps of the German military and its allies continuously pushed into the city, using powerful firepower and an absolute superiority in troop numbers to seize Russian defensive positions, inflict casualties on their fighting forces, and squeeze their living space.
Although the Russian troops' resistance remained tenacious, as their casualties mounted, their eventual collapse was merely a matter of time.
"How is the fighting at the front?" General Guderian was also paying close attention to the battle for Smolensk. Before the coming winter arrived, the German military and its allies had to construct a solid defensive line stretching hundreds of kilometers. Smolensk and the other cities would become vital strongpoints along that line. Therefore, Smolensk had to be taken.
"General, the 3rd Army Corps, two army corps of the Polish Army, and the 1st Belarusian Army Corps are fiercely attacking Smolensk. Judging from the current situation, our offensive is progressing smoothly. The 3rd Army Corps has not suffered many losses, but the Poles and Belarusians have taken considerable casualties," a staff officer reported.
General Guderian nodded. He had already expected this. Although the Polish Army and Belarusian Army had received training from the German military officer corps, they were ultimately no match for the German military. Especially since the units they were facing could still be considered elite Russian troops. With the Russians putting up such stubborn resistance, achieving this much was acceptable.
"Send telegrams to the army corps at the front. Tell them to advance steadily and fight securely. Taking Smolensk within half a month will be enough!" General Guderian said. He did not want the various units to rashly launch attacks in an effort to save time, thereby causing even greater casualties. Whether it was the German military or the