"Damn it! Our defensive fortifications are not even completed, and the Russians have launched their attack! This will only lead to an increase in our casualties!" A middle-aged brigadier general, the commander of the German 24th Infantry Division, Major General Bessen, expressed his fury.
"General, there's nothing we can do. The Russians are not fools; they know that once our defenses are complete, any further assault would cost them dearly. If their wits are intact, they won't grant us any more time," replied a young colonel, Guderians, commander of the 8th Armored Division, with a hint of resignation.
"Indeed! But regardless, the Russians will not reclaim Puławy! His Highness has commanded us to hold this position for two days, and we shall do so," Bessen asserted confidently.
Although he anticipated that the losses in this battle might exceed his expectations, Bessen remained steadfast in his belief that the elite German forces could hold firm, like a nail driven into the ground, until reinforcements arrived.
"Yes, General, I share your conviction. If the Russian assault becomes too overwhelming, the 8th Armored Division will deploy tanks to crush them. I believe we can thwart their schemes," Guderians echoed with renewed assurance.
Having secured victory in several recent battles, the 8th Armored Division had become synonymous with success, further boosting Guderians' confidence.
Bessen nodded. He recognized that while the 24th Infantry Division could withstand the Russian onslaught, it would suffer considerable losses. However, with the 8th Armored Division's support, the situation transformed. Even with many tanks lost, the remaining hundred or so would haunt the Russians' every move. There was no possibility of breaching their defenses.
"Fire!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The artillery of the 24th Infantry Division opened fire, unleashing a devastating barrage from 18 heavy howitzers, 36 light howitzers, and 54 field guns, all positioned in their artillery line.
Shells screamed as they rained down on the Russian ranks. The explosions were merciless, akin to the scythe of death, claiming the lives of nearby Russian soldiers and leaving behind a wasteland of severed limbs and deep craters.
The firepower of the German 8th Corps infantry was significantly enhanced compared to other nations. Each infantry division was equipped with 108 guns of various calibers, including 150mm heavy artillery. Aside from the wealthy Americans across the ocean, they were perhaps the only ones with such formidable armaments. Of course, this came at a considerable cost, but in war, such powerful artillery proved invaluable. Whether on the offensive or defensive, the enemy's first encounter was with their terrifying firepower, inflicting substantial casualties while delivering a crushing blow to enemy morale.
Shells fell like rain, decimating Russian soldiers. Despite the Russians' continued "Ura!" charges, the fear etched on their faces deepened with each assault.
Although the 24th Infantry Division's defenses were not yet fortified, their firepower was formidable. Mortars, grenade launchers, machine guns, and squad automatic weapons were all at the ready. Yet, these weapons could not be placed in robust firing positions, relying instead on trenches. Nonetheless, their impact was still felt.
"Open fire! Annihilate these Russians!"
At the command of the front-line officer, mortars, grenade launchers, and machine guns began their deadly concert. The concentrated fire exacted a heavy toll on the advancing Russian forces. Countless soldiers fell, their bodies riddled with bullet wounds, some even torn apart.
"The Germans' firepower is overwhelming! Engaging such a force without substantial fire support is sheer folly," lamented a Russian general, lowering his binoculars in despair.
"Across all of Europe, perhaps only the Germans can equip their forces with such powerful artillery!" another added.
"It's said that even the German army doesn't uniformly have such equipment; only the 8th Corps boasts this kind of firepower," remarked a Russian commander.
Despite the slaughter of their comrades, the Russian officers spoke with admiration for the German artillery. They fantasized about having such firepower themselves, believing that perhaps they wouldn't suffer such defeats. Yet, they knew well that with Russia's financial resources, equipping their army with such luxuries was impossible. Their strength lay not in superior weaponry, but in overwhelming numbers.
The Russian soldiers were undeniably brave, charging into the face of concentrated German fire. Yet this advance seemed more like a march to death, as their lives appeared to hold little value. Their primary purpose seemed to be the consumption of German ammunition.
The 8th Air Corps also arrived to assist. The pilots, filled with frustration over the Russians' nocturnal tactics that nearly rendered them useless, were determined not to become spectators in this war. Upon hearing of the Russian offensive towards Puławy, Brigadier General Corey immediately sought permission to engage, which Qin Tian granted.
Two squadrons of F2 fighters and one squadron of H1 bombers soared into the sky above the battlefield. Their presence sent the Russian troops into a frenzy, with many turning to flee. Those who were not intimidated by the German firepower were nonetheless terrified by the sight of their aircraft.
However, the pilots of the 8th Air Corps were resolute in their determination not to let the Russians escape. They swiftly launched their assault.
"Rat-tat-tat!"
The F2 fighter aircraft unleashed a hail of bullets upon the Russians, tearing through countless soldiers with their powerful machine guns.
The H1 bombers followed suit, dropping bombs like falling dumplings into the ranks of the Russians, taking lives as they descended.