Cutting Losses

On November 27, 1880, the Prussian Army arrived in the Poznan region. After a brief rest, they launched an attack on Russia's Eighth Army the following day.

Despite harassment from Russian cavalry and airships, the Prussian Army had taken less than eight days to travel from Warsaw to Poznan. They had demonstrated through action what it meant for military operations to value speed above all else.

Anyone with a little military knowledge knew that the larger an army was, the more difficult it was to coordinate and the slower it marched.

The Prussian Army's total strength reached as high as 468,000 men. Covering more than 280 kilometers in eight days was nothing short of a miracle in military history.

Had their organizational ability been lacking, the troops at the front might have reached their destination before those at the rear had even set out.

After all, with so many people lining up, they could form two lines stretching all the way from Poznan to Warsaw.

Without question, the Prussian Army's rapid advance had exceeded Russian expectations. Even the Ninth Army, which was closer, had not yet arrived before the enemy beat them there.

Though Russia's Eighth Army fought valiantly, it was of no use. Forget stopping the Prussian Army's westward return—even holding Poznan had become a question.

At Russian Army Headquarters, Ivanov sighed helplessly as he looked at the telegram requesting reinforcements in his hand.

"Order the Eighth Army to hold Poznan and await reinforcements. Order the Ninth Army to increase its marching speed and reinforce the Eighth Army as soon as possible."

Staff officer Julian Bennettu reminded him, "Marshal, the main Prussian force arrived in the Poznan region two days ago. Poznan may already be surrounded by now.

"If the Ninth Army goes there at this time, it