"Gentlemen, our mission this time is to strike the Russian Ninth Army as they flee from Siedlce. While this is merely an assault on ground targets, I urge each pilot to approach it with the utmost seriousness. This marks the first combat order issued to us by His Royal Highness since the establishment of the Eighth Air Force, and I expect us to execute this task flawlessly," Brigadier General Kory stated, delivering the briefing personally to the pilots.
All the pilots wore expressions of solemnity, though their excitement and eagerness were evident in their eyes. They had long anticipated this operational opportunity.
"The Russians have been decisively defeated in the Kingdom of Poland, with their Second Guards Army utterly annihilated. However, the Ninth Army seeks to escape. Whether we can eliminate this force hinges on your efforts. His Royal Highness holds great expectations for us, and I implore each of you to repay his support with your utmost dedication," Kory continued.
"Yes, sir!" the pilots responded in unison.
"Excellent. Prepare yourselves and execute the orders immediately!" Kory nodded approvingly.
"Yes, sir," the pilots dispersed eagerly.
Inside the hangar, ground crew members diligently fueled the aircraft, armed them with bombs and ammunition, and prepared for takeoff. Several aircraft, fully equipped, were pushed to the runway, ready to ascend at a moment's notice.
Soon, Kory issued the command for takeoff.
Leading the charge was the 81st Fighter Squadron. Of the 36 F2 fighter planes, all but four reserve aircraft soared into the sky. Beneath their wings hung 25-kilogram bombs, designated for ground assault. Yet, the true menace these fighters posed was not merely their ordnance, but the formidable 12.7mm machine guns mounted at their noses. With hundreds of rounds at the ready, these aircraft were poised to wreak havoc upon the battlefield.
The power of the 12.7mm machine gun was devastating. A direct hit on a human target would likely cleave a body in two. It was clear that when these fighters engaged the retreating Russian Ninth Army, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Following the ascent of the 81st Fighter Squadron, the 82nd Bomber Squadron took flight. Thirty-six H1 bombers, akin to majestic eagles, ascended skyward, propelled by their powerful engines, heading toward the southern horizon.
The remaining units—the 83rd Fighter Squadron, 84th Bomber Squadron, 85th Fighter Squadron, and 86th Bomber Squadron—would take off in the next two hours, ensuring a sustained assault on the Russian Ninth Army.
At this moment, the Ninth Army was blissfully unaware of the impending threat as they retreated from Siedlce.
"General, all divisions of the army have now withdrawn. However, the Germans have not remained in Siedlce but have pursued us directly. Should we launch an attack and attempt to eliminate this German force? In defense, they rely on their formidable firepower, but in offense, they may be vulnerable," suggested a lieutenant general.
General Lietzski shook his head. "The Germans are not to be trifled with; even this force of only a few tens of thousands is formidable. If we turn to attack them, we may not be able to defeat or annihilate them swiftly. Remember, the German main force is certainly in pursuit. If we cannot resolve this battle quickly, once their main body catches up, our retreat will be untenable. We must learn from the example of the Second Guards Army."
"Yes, the general is correct. If we are to retreat, it must be done swiftly and without hesitation. We must heed the warning from the fate of the Second Guards Army!" another lieutenant general added.
"Leave two infantry divisions to delay the pursuing Germans. The rest must hasten our retreat. If we can exit the Kingdom of Poland and unite with the Southwestern Front before the German main force catches up, we will ensure our safety," Lietzski commanded.
In his view, the pursuing Germans numbered only a few thousand. Two Russian infantry divisions amounted to over thirty thousand. While they might lack combat effectiveness compared to the Germans, they should be able to hold off the German advance for a time, securing precious moments for their withdrawal.
"Yes, General," the commanders acknowledged.
The Ninth Army was in a desperate retreat. Yet, they had little choice; as long as their main forces could escape safely, that would be deemed a victory.
By 3 PM, hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers were retreating south along several roads. The lengthy column extended far down the highway, resembling a serpent writhing forward.
In the northern sky, small black dots began to appear, accompanied by a buzzing sound reminiscent of bees in flight.
Some Russian soldiers instinctively looked up to the heavens, curious about the source of the commotion.
"What is that?" one soldier exclaimed.
Other soldiers began to chatter nervously.
A Russian officer trained his binoculars on the northern sky, his expression shifting to one of horror.
"Damn it! German planes. The Germans are coming!" he shouted in panic.
Yet, the soldiers remained confused. Most had been peasants before enlisting, scarcely literate, and few had ever seen an aircraft. They were oblivious to the terror these planes represented. Many pointed at the aircraft in awe, mistaking them for divine signs, with countless soldiers fervently praying to God.
"Targets spotted; commence the attack!" commanded the leader of the 81st Fighter Squadron.
The thirty-six F2 fighters began their descent, preparing for combat.
"Rat-a-tat-tat!"
The squadron leader initiated the assault, the orange flames of the machine guns flaring as a barrage of bullets rained down on the Russian soldiers below.
"Thud! Thud!"
"Ah! Ah!"
The sounds of bullets striking flesh mingled with the cries of agony, as a long line of Russian soldiers collapsed amidst the cacophony of terror.