Officers Are Running Short

Theory and reality often ran in opposite directions. Perhaps Opodo's countermeasures had been effective, or perhaps the officers had no way out; the encircled Russian Fourth Army had erupted with fighting strength far beyond the Prussian Army's expectations.

Seven days passed in a flash, yet the Fourth Army remained nailed firmly in place like a spike, leaving the Prussian Army caught between advancing and retreating.

Looking at the ever-growing casualty figures in his hand, then thinking of his mission, General Hans Geya, tasked with encircling and annihilating the Fourth Army, was so worried his beard was nearly turning white.

The enemy had suffered more than half their casualties, yet showed no sign of surrendering. They had clearly made up their minds to fight to the bitter end.

If all Russian troops were this tenacious, there would be no need to fight this war at all. The Prusso-Polish Federation had a limited population; it simply could not afford such a war of attrition.

After rubbing his brow, Hans Geya instructed his adjutant, "Send a telegram to headquarters. Give them a detailed report on our situation here. Tell Marshal Moltke to give us another five days, and I guarantee we can wipe out this enemy force.

"If other areas require reinforcements, we can first pull out part of our forces. We no longer need so many troops surrounding them."

After the past few days of fighting, Hans Geya had determined that the enemy would not run. To complete his mission, he had even deliberately left an opening, luring the enemy to break out.

Yet it was as though the enemy had not seen it at all. They continued holding their ground firmly, giving him no opening to exploit.

They had an opportunity yet refused to flee. It made no sense whatsoever. Hans