On the night of September 16, the remnants of the Russian 9th Army Group at Puławy not only failed to breach the German defenses but suffered catastrophic losses instead. During the nighttime skirmishes, the Russians lost at least fifty thousand men, including several thousand elite cavalry.
With these forces depleted, the remaining troops of the 9th Army Group numbered fewer than one hundred thousand, and they were demoralized and terrified. The relentless assaults by the Germans had instilled profound fear in these Russian soldiers.
This meant that the 9th Army Group could no longer retreat southward; their situation had become exceedingly precarious.
While the Russian forces were in disarray, unsure of their next move, the Germans had already made their choice.
By noon on September 17, the main forces of the German 8th Army Corps arrived north of Puławy, effectively encircling the remnants of the Russian 9th Army Group. Although the total number of German troops was less than twice that of the Russian remnants, the encirclement appeared weak. However, having witnessed the Germans' formidable strength, the Russians knew they could not rely on mere numbers to escape; even if they had the courage, they dared not attempt a breakout.
The Germans wasted no time, launching an attack on the encircled Russian forces that afternoon, seeking to annihilate this contingent swiftly to enhance their own triumph.
Under the ferocious onslaught of the Germans, the Russians could not mount an effective defense and were forced to retreat continuously. Their operational space was increasingly constricted, and their losses mounted alarmingly.
Having held on until nightfall, the Russian commanders were unwilling to wait any longer to meet their demise. They urged General Lechitsky to attempt a breakout.
Although the remnants of the 9th Army Group were encircled, they were primarily surrounded to the south, east, and north; the west was bordered by the Vistula River. The Germans had not deployed forces on the west bank, which offered a fleeting opportunity for escape. However, a mass river crossing would be nearly impossible, as the Germans were astute enough not to allow such a scenario.
General Lechitsky understood his officers' intentions: they wished to abandon the troops and save themselves. Rather than perish alongside their forces at the hands of the Germans, they preferred to escape. Moreover, these generals cared little for the lives of the ordinary soldiers.
After some deliberation, General Lechitsky accepted their suggestion. As a Russian Army General, he had worked hard to achieve his rank, and dying in battle would be a tragic waste. Preserving his own life was paramount, even if it meant incurring the wrath of Tsar Nicholas II.
That night, the Russian generals, along with their trusted aides, secretly took small boats across the Vistula River to flee, leaving the soldiers and lower-ranking officers trapped within the encirclement.
The following morning, the Russian soldiers and lower-ranking officers quickly realized their predicament. Upon learning that they had been abandoned by their commanders, the morale of the Russian troops suffered a devastating blow. With already diminished fighting spirit, they collapsed completely.
At that moment, the Germans launched another offensive. The dispirited Russian soldiers began to surrender en masse. With their leaders having fled, they had no desire to remain and face death.
The widespread surrender of Russian soldiers influenced others, and ultimately, apart from a small number who resisted, the remnants of the 9th Army Group capitulated. This enabled the German 8th Army Corps to conclude the fighting with ease on September 18.
This news was promptly relayed to the Corps headquarters.
"Your Highness, we have achieved a great victory at Puławy. The remnants of the Russian 9th Army Group have surrendered to us. We have successfully eliminated an entire Russian army," exclaimed Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff, both in high spirits.
"How could it happen so quickly?" QinTian was taken aback.
"Your Highness, the generals of the 9th Army Group fled last night. Consequently, the soldiers and lower-ranking officers, deprived of their command, surrendered willingly. This is why we achieved victory so swiftly," Ludendorff explained.
QinTian realized then that the adage about a leader and their soldiers held true—when the commanders fled, how could one expect the soldiers to continue fighting valiantly? It was utterly implausible.
"The Russian commanders did well to escape! Their flight is precisely why we could win so easily," QinTian remarked with a smile.
"Should we send pursuit troops? The Russian commanders crossed the Vistula River in their escape. A cavalry unit might capture them," Hindenburg inquired.
QinTian shook his head, "There's no need. The 9th Army Group is nearly annihilated. Even if those commanders return home, it will serve little purpose. However, if they could abandon their troops once, they might do so again. If they still have the opportunity to command, they would likely flee when next confronted with us, which bodes well for us."
"Hahaha!" Both Hindenburg and Ludendorff laughed heartily. Indeed, if that were the case, it would be a net benefit for them.
"Now, gentlemen, with the Russian Guard 2nd Army and the 9th Army Group defeated, the Russian forces within the Kingdom of Poland have nearly been eradicated. Order the main forces to rest and prepare to support the Austro-Hungarian Empire in eliminating the Russian Southwestern Front. Deploy the 8th Armored Division and an infantry division to Warsaw. Since we have caught the fish, there's no need to leave the bait," QinTian instructed.
With the Russian Guard 2nd Army and the 9th Army Group already vanquished, there was no reason to remain in Warsaw.
"Yes, Your Highness," Ludendorff nodded.
The German 8th Armored Division and 24th Infantry Division were tasked with advancing on Warsaw.