Siedlce, Russian Southwestern Front Army command. As the war situation continues to develop, the situation seems to be becoming increasingly unfavorable to the Russian army. This makes the entire Area Army Headquarters atmosphere become more and more tense. Even Front Commander General Ivanov always had a tense face.
"How is the situation on the front line? Have our troops broken through the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army's defense line?" General Ivanov asked.
"General, the battle is still going on. Our various armies are launching fierce attacks. However, the Austrian army's resistance is also very tenacious. So far, it has not been able to break through the Austrian army's defense line." The adjutant reported.
"Damn it! Those Austro-Hungarian Empire cowards, it's like they are a completely different army. Compared with before, there is a huge difference!" General Ivanov sighed.
In the early days of the war, the Russian army always had the upper hand in the battle with the Austrian army. However, in this decisive battle, the Austrian army seemed to be completely transformed and became more energetic. During the battle, they fought desperately against the Russian army, which prevented the Russian army from breaking through their defense lines. Moreover, the losses are getting bigger and bigger. This made General Ivanov worried about the upcoming battle.
If so, the Russian army has been unable to break through the Austrian defense line. And 4th Army Corps couldn't resist the attack of German 8th Army Corps. Then, this battle ended with the defeat of the Russian army. By then, Southwestern Front will suffer a heavy blow. The Russian army will also be completely at a disadvantage on Eastern Front. Such consequences will not be something these generals can bear.
"How is the situation with General Dimitriev?" General Ivanov asked.
"General, 4th Army Corps's situation is also very bad. General Dimitriev has just sent a request for help to Telegram, hoping that we will send reinforcements to 4th Army Corps. Otherwise, they may not be able to hold on for long," the adjutant said.
General Ivanov's brows knitted together tightly. This battle was really frustrating. Not only was the Austrian army's tenacity beyond General Ivanov's expectations. The power of German military was beyond his expectation. These two unexpected factors put the Russian army at a disadvantage in this battle.
"Damn! Three hundred thousand people, can't you hold on for half a month?" General Ivanov couldn't help but curse.
"General, the German attack was very powerful. The 4th Army suffered heavy losses. Yesterday, the German army captured Chelm. Most of the 100,000 people stationed there were killed. The remaining troops also surrendered to the Germans, including Lieutenant General Fyodor and Lieutenant General Golovin. The day before yesterday, The 22nd Infantry Army went to rescue Cheium, but was defeated by the German army before it reached Cheium. The German army was also attacking Zamosc, and the troops stationed there were also difficult to resist the German attack, "the adjutant explained.
General Ivanov was silent. From what the adjutant reported just now, he also knew that 4th Army Corps was in a very difficult situation now. 4th Army Corps's main force was almost completely lost under the fierce attack of German 8th Army Corps. If this continues, 4th Army Corps may be annihilated soon.
"Do we have any extra troops?" General Ivanov asked. No matter what, if 4th Army Corps really can't resist it, he can't just ignore it and must provide reinforcements. Whether 4th Army Corps can withstand German offensive is directly related to whether they have enough time to continue the battle.
"General, we have no extra troops. All the troops of 3rd Army Corps, 8th Army Corps and 11th Army Corps have been dispatched to attack the Austrian army. 13th Army Corps is still on the way. It will take at least ten days to reach the battlefield," the adjutant said.
General Ivanov thought for a while, and then said, "Send Telegram to General Dimitriev and ask him to persist for at least ten more days. After 13th Army Corps, he will directly cooperate with them in combat!"
General Ivanov, there is no other way but to give General Dimitriev and 4th Army Corps a hope so that they can have the courage to continue fighting. As for whether 4th Army Corps can persist until 13th Army Corps arrives, it all depends on God's will.
"Yes, General." The adjutant nodded and went to send Telegram.
After the adjutant left, General Ivanov's face darkened. The current situation is really unfavorable to them. He could already vaguely feel that they might lose the war this time. The most sensible choice is undoubtedly to shrink the defense line and hold on from now on. Or retreat to the hinterland of Russia and exchange time through space.
However, General Ivanov obviously cannot do this. If you do that, it means that all the losses the Russian army has paid before will be in vain. At the same time, it also means that they will be at a disadvantage on the battlefield and lose a large area of territory.
Although, this is the only way to reduce losses. But Tsar Nicholas II will never believe it. He would only think that it was the incompetence of the generals that caused the Russian army to be defeated, lose a large number of troops, and lose a large area of territory. What awaits these generals may be a military court trial, or even being sent to the gallows directly by the angry Nicholas II.
Therefore, now that the battle has begun, General Ivanov has no way out. Now, he has only one choice, and that is to continue the fight. Until they achieve final victory, or until they fail completely.
Of course, there is another reason why General Ivanov chose to continue the battle, and that is that there is still a trace of luck in his heart. In his opinion, the current situation is not favorable for the Russian army. But they don't have any chance of winning. If the Russian army can break through the Austrian army's defense line and defeat the Austrian army. Then, the situation can be reversed. Otherwise, they will definitely lose this time.
"May God protect us!" General Ivanov secretly prayed to God.
Immediately, he once again issued an order to Russian 3rd Army Corps, 8th Army Corps and 11th Army Corps, asking them to further strengthen their attack. Within three days, the Austrian defense line must be torn apart. Otherwise, they would have no hope in this battle. It can be said that General Ivanov has completely pinned its hopes on the battle in the next three days.