The Russian 2nd Guards Army had scarcely any time to establish their positions, resulting in only rudimentary defenses. Moreover, the quality of their fortifications was far from impressive, leaving little hope for a robust defense.
"Boom!" A 155mm shell struck the trench, collapsing a significant portion of it. Those Russian soldiers huddled within were instantly killed, their severed limbs scattered across the battlefield.
"Oh God! André and the others met such a gruesome fate. How can the German artillery be so terrifying?" one soldier exclaimed in horror.
"Pray to God quickly if you wish to survive. The Germans have equipped themselves with heavy artillery. We are in serious trouble," an officer admonished, his face etched with concern. It was clear he feared the devastating losses the Russian forces would incur under such bombardment, making it even more difficult to withstand the German onslaught.
"Boom!" A field artillery shell hit a Russian machine-gun bunker, reducing the wooden structure to splinters. Gun parts lay strewn across the ground.
Under the relentless fire of the German artillery, the Russian positions were left in utter disarray, their defenses obliterated. Countless soldiers perished in the bombardment, their lives extinguished.
The remaining Russian troops could only cower in fear, seeking refuge in the trenches, praying for deliverance from the raining shells, knowing that a direct hit would spell certain doom.
"General, the Germans have begun their assault. They have concentrated hundreds of cannons, bombarding our lines, including heavy artillery. Our frontline soldiers have suffered severe losses, and many of our defensive structures have been destroyed. The situation at the front is exceedingly grim," a lieutenant general reported to General Klapovitch.
Klapovitch nodded, fully aware that when the Germans launched their attack, it would be catastrophic.
"Order the frontline troops to hold their ground. Additionally, instruct our artillery to retaliate immediately to relieve the pressure on the front," Klapovitch commanded.
"Yes, General. However, our artillery comprises only 76.2mm field guns; we fear we cannot match the Germans' heavy artillery," one officer expressed, his worry evident. The disparity in artillery strength was indeed stark.
"Indeed, General. If we open fire, it will likely provoke the Germans to suppress our artillery. We will find it difficult to withstand their assault," another officer added.
"If our artillery does not counterattack, the Germans will soon inflict heavy losses on our frontline troops. If they breach our lines, we will struggle to repel their advance," Klapovitch said, deeply troubled.
Though the 9th Army was only two days away, Klapovitch questioned whether they could endure for that long. He believed the Germans would certainly attempt to intercept the 9th Army, meaning the 2nd Guards Army would need to hold out for even longer—a daunting challenge.
"Understood, General." The officers did not contest further.
The German bombardment was ferocious, having been meticulously prepared over several days. An abundance of munitions transported from East Prussia ensured their artillery was not constrained by shortages.
"Fire!"
Twenty minutes after the German bombardment commenced, the Russian artillery finally retaliated. Over two hundred 76.2mm field guns were pushed to the frontline, attempting to suppress the German artillery positions.
Despite the Russian 2nd Guards Army boasting ten infantry divisions and four cavalry divisions, with nearly five hundred guns, most were merely 76.2mm field pieces. Heavy artillery over 100mm was exceedingly rare, even among what was considered the elite of the Russian army. Other divisions were likely worse off, often unable to fully equip a single infantry division with the standard complement of 48 field guns.
The Russian 76.2mm field guns could not match the firing rate of the German 75mm guns, nor could they compete in power or range. Compared to the German heavy artillery, they were wholly inadequate.
As the Germans opened fire, their artillery quickly detected the Russian positions. The 150mm heavy howitzers and 105mm light howitzers adjusted their firing parameters under the guidance of artillery observation balloons, turning their fire upon the Russian guns.
Within just twenty minutes, the Russian artillery was forced to withdraw due to significant losses, while the German artillery suffered minimal casualties.
Having silenced the Russian artillery, the Germans continued to bombard the Russian frontline, unleashing devastating firepower that obliterated the Russian positions as if plowing the earth with iron implements. The defenses constructed by the Russians were reduced to ruins under the relentless onslaught.
Russian soldiers stationed at the frontline suffered grievously, with severed limbs littering the battlefield. It was as though the entire area had transformed into a hellscape.
On the German side, General François of the 11th Army and Colonel Guderian, acting commander of the 8th Panzer Division, awaited the results of the bombardment.
"Report! The artillery reports that the Russian positions have been largely destroyed," a staff officer announced.
"Excellent. Colonel Guderian, the next move is yours," General François stated.
"Yes, General," Guderian replied, nodding.
Having distinguished himself in the earlier East Prussia campaign, Guderian and Rommel had garnered significant praise. Qin Tian had assured them that once the Polish campaign concluded, they would both receive promotions. Guderian would be elevated to brigadier and formally appointed as the commander of the 8th Panzer Division, while Rommel would rise from lieutenant colonel to colonel, continuing as deputy commander of the division and commanding the 1st Regiment.
This promise filled Guderian with eager anticipation for the forthcoming battle.
The German artillery preparation lasted for an hour before they extended their fire to the Russian deep positions. The 8th Panzer Division, long ready, renewed their assault.