General Samsonov's figure swayed unsteadily. If not for his adjutant's swift support, he would have collapsed to the ground.
The other Russian officers looked as if their world had crumbled. They all understood that they had reached the point of no return. If things went poorly, they would all perish here.
"Damn it! From start to finish, this was all a German trap. They lured us deeper and deeper until we reached Tannenberg, where they launched their fatal strike. What's most infuriating is that we never even realized it," General Samsonov muttered through gritted teeth, his face filled with regret.
Some officers lowered their heads. A few had raised concerns earlier, but the prospect of victory had clouded everyone's judgment, leading to the disaster they now faced.
But now it was too late. They were on the brink of annihilation.
"General, we still have a chance. The German forces blocking our retreat have only just arrived. If we launch a counterattack while they're still establishing their position, we might be able to break through," one officer suggested.
"Yes, we still have a sizable force. If we launch a fierce assault, we might yet breach their lines," others echoed, clinging to this last hope like drowning men to a lifeline.
Humans instinctively desire to survive, and those in power, occupying high ranks, cherish their lives even more. Naturally, these Russian officers were not eager to die if they had any chance of survival.
General Samsonov nodded, although he knew the odds were slim. The Germans had meticulously laid this trap; they would not let them escape so easily. But to sit and do nothing was tantamount to awaiting death. Even if the chances were slim, it was worth trying. At least they might have a chance to live.
Samsonov knew that, given his rank and status, even if the Russian forces were defeated, his life wouldn't be in danger. At worst, he would be sent to a POW camp. But if he could escape, that would be far better. Why be a lowly prisoner when one could remain a high-ranking general?
"Very well. Organize the troops and launch an attack on the German lines. No matter what, we must break through their blockade. Tell all the soldiers that this is their only chance at survival," Samsonov commanded.
"Yes, General!" came the unified response.
They all knew this was their last chance at life. They had to seize it. If they failed, death would be their only outcome.
Under the threat of death, the Russian forces moved swiftly. In less than half an hour, they had assembled more than 20,000 troops for an attack on the German 20th Army's defenses.
"Hmph! Do these Russians really think we're so weak that they can crush us so easily? Tell the men to be ready and unleash our full strength. Let these Russians know just how formidable we truly are!" General Mackensen, commander of the 20th Army, ordered.
Earlier, they had deliberately feigned weakness to lure the Russians in, but now was their chance to restore their honor.
"Yes, General!" The other officers of the 20th Army, equally eager to reclaim their pride, echoed.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The moment the Russian forces began their attack, German artillery opened fire. The 20th Army, comprising three infantry divisions with nearly 50,000 troops, was well-equipped. Their artillery alone numbered over 300 guns, including 162 75mm field guns, 108 105mm light howitzers, and 54 155mm heavy howitzers. When these guns unleashed their firepower simultaneously, the sky seemed to rain shells, crashing down upon the advancing Russians.
The Russian ranks were shredded by the relentless bombardment, as countless soldiers were torn to pieces by the explosions.
Yet, despite this, the Russian soldiers gritted their teeth and pressed on. Their superiors had told them that this was their only chance to survive. If they didn't take it, they were doomed. And so, they summoned every ounce of courage they could muster.
But courage alone does not win battles. In the face of the Germans, armed to the teeth, the Russians' fate was clear.
"Fire!"
As the Russians drew closer to the German lines, the order was given to open fire.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Mortars and grenade launchers joined the barrage. Shells and grenades rained down upon the Russian ranks, exploding and leaving craters in the ground. Many Russian soldiers fell, killed by the relentless fire.
"Ratatatata!"
The Germans' general-purpose and light machine guns opened up, creating a dense web of fire. The advancing Russians were cut down in waves, as if harvested like wheat before a scythe.
"My God!"
The Russian generals watching from the rear gasped in horror as they saw their troops being slaughtered under the withering German fire.
Their hearts sank. Could they truly break through the Germans' defenses under such fierce opposition?
Although the German defenses were hastily constructed, their superior weapons and overwhelming firepower more than compensated for any deficiencies, turning their lines into an impenetrable fortress.
"Deploy the Cossack cavalry to charge the German lines. There are no secret weapons on this front, so the cavalry's attack should be effective," General Samsonov ordered through clenched teeth.
Three Cossack cavalry divisions were mobilized for yet another assault on the German positions. Though they charged valiantly, they were ultimately unsuccessful. The 20th Army, though lacking tanks, was equipped with numerous light and heavy machine guns, which proved to be the Cossack cavalry's worst nightmare. The swift cavalry, charging headlong into the Germans' machine gun fire, were slaughtered like lambs to the slaughter.
The Cossack attack failed once again. The brave riders left their bodies scattered before the German lines, but the defenses held strong. Their assault had achieved nothing, save for depleting more German ammunition.
Seeing this, the Russian generals were filled with despair. The German encirclement was complete, and annihilation was now inevitable.