**Warsaw, Headquarters of the Russian Northwest Front.**
"General, a message from General Samsonov. His troops have already reached Tannenberg, but the Germans have heavily fortified the area. However, General Samsonov claims that within two days, he can take Tannenberg and clear the way to Königsberg," an officer reported to General Ivan Zhilinsky.
"Hmm, advancing several dozen kilometers in just two days — the combat power of the 2nd Army is indeed impressive," General Zhilinsky nodded approvingly.
"Tell Samsonov that Tannenberg is a critical strategic point, and it must be taken to open the road to Königsberg. Once Tannenberg falls, the capture of Königsberg will be within reach," General Zhilinsky said confidently.
"Yes, General," the officer promptly went to send the telegram.
"Once Tannenberg is captured, the Eastern Prussian campaign will come to a close, and taking Königsberg will be a mere formality. If we can occupy all of East Prussia, the German threat to the Empire will be completely eliminated. The next step would be an assault on Berlin itself, bringing about Germany's ultimate defeat," General Zhilinsky stood before the map, lost in thought, envisioning Russia's triumphant victory in the war. Yet, all of this was little more than daydreaming.
On August 19th, after advancing to Tannenberg, General Samsonov ordered a halt to the offensive.
"Let all divisions rest and regroup. Tomorrow at dawn, we will attack Tannenberg. By sunset, I want to see the double-headed eagle's banner flying over the town!" General Samsonov commanded.
"Rest assured, Commander. The Germans have lost their will to fight. We've chased them all the way here, and one more assault will break their lines and capture Tannenberg," a brigadier general said confidently.
"Haha, indeed! Who would have thought the Germans were so weak? I can't imagine why the French were ever worried about a German invasion," a lieutenant general remarked in disbelief.
The other Russian generals joined in laughter. None of them doubted their impending victory in the next battle. Even though General Samsonov had a vague feeling that something was amiss — after all, the German Army was reputed to be the best in the world — he reasoned that the German main forces were entangled on the Western Front with the French, and thus only their weakest units were left to face them.
The next morning, the Russian 2nd Army launched its attack on Tannenberg.
To take the town in one swift blow, General Samsonov committed four infantry divisions, more than 60,000 men, to the assault. He also amassed over 400 cannons to provide artillery support. For the Russian army, this concentration of firepower was considered a luxury.
"Open fire! Blast those Germans to pieces!" General Samsonov ordered.
Over 400 Russian artillery pieces roared to life. The orange flames flashed from the muzzles as shells whistled through the air, heading straight for the German positions at Tannenberg.
Explosions erupted across the German lines, with plumes of smoke and debris filling the air, leaving craters scattered across the landscape. However, due to the small caliber of most Russian artillery — primarily 76.2mm field guns — their shells caused minimal damage to the heavily fortified German positions, inflicting only negligible losses.
"General, should we have our artillery return fire?" a brigade commander asked Lieutenant General François.
"The Russian bombardment is pitifully weak; it poses no real threat to us. Let them be," François replied.
"Yes, General," the commander nodded.
Due to limited ammunition, the Russian bombardment lasted only a few minutes.
General Samsonov, however, was quite satisfied with the barrage, believing that the Germans had suffered heavy casualties.
"Begin the assault! I want Tannenberg taken by sunset," General Samsonov commanded.
"Yes, General," the division commanders replied confidently.
Perhaps the German feigned retreats had been too convincing, for the Russian generals were utterly convinced that the German forces were weak. They were brimming with confidence, believing that one decisive push would break the German lines.
However, they would soon learn how gravely mistaken they were. The Germans were far stronger than they had anticipated, and everything was part of a well-laid trap.
"Attack!"
The order to advance was passed down the Russian ranks, and countless Russian soldiers, with bayonets fixed or bare hands gripping rifles, charged out of their trenches, launching a fierce assault on the German positions.
"Ura! Ura!"
Tens of thousands of Russian soldiers shouted in unison, their cries carrying an unstoppable momentum. It must be admitted that the Russians were indeed brave fighters. Their famous "Ura charge" had an imposing aura that could frighten less experienced troops into dropping their weapons in terror.
Unfortunately for them, they were facing the German Army. While the soldiers of the 8th Corps might not have been the elite of the German forces, years of rigorous training had transformed them into a formidable fighting force. The Russian assault may have stirred some anxiety, but it had little effect on their overall composure.
"It's hard to believe the Russians are so poorly equipped. Many of them don't even have rifles. How do they plan to fight us? With their fists?" Major General Mackensen of the 20th Corps lowered his binoculars and shook his head in disbelief.
"The poor state of the Russian army's equipment is well-known worldwide. That should come as no surprise. But don't forget, your 20th Corps was once beaten by this very army," François said with a chuckle.
At once, Major General Mackensen felt a wave of frustration. His forces had deliberately lost many battles as part of the strategy to lure the enemy deep into their lines, a necessary sacrifice but one he found humiliating. Nevertheless, as long as they secured the ultimate victory, the sacrifices made along the way would have been worth it.