The obliteration of the Russian Guard's 2nd and 9th Armies in the Kingdom of Poland dealt a severe blow not only to the Russian Army but to the entire nation. These four divisions, totaling over 900,000 troops, represented a staggering 65% of the Russian Army's standing forces. Furthermore, among them was the esteemed 2nd Guard Army, regarded as the elite of the Russian military.
Were it not for Russia's vast population to draw upon, such a monumental loss could have led to utter devastation in this war. Nevertheless, this casualty count was intolerable for Tsar Nicholas II. Upon learning of the surrender of the troops in Warsaw, the anger he had long suppressed erupted violently. In his office at the Winter Palace, he unleashed a thunderous roar.
"Why? Why has the army failed again? We have lost 900,000 men to the German 8th Corps, a division with fewer than 200,000 troops! Is the German fighting capacity truly so formidable that one can vanquish ten?" Nicholas bellowed, his eyes blazing with fury.
The Russian military and political leaders lowered their heads in silence, particularly the army generals, their faces flushed with shame. They were acutely aware of the inadequacies of the Russian military's combat effectiveness, yet the scale of this defeat left them at a loss for how to proceed.
Nicholas's wrath boiled within him as he struggled to comprehend the abysmal performance of his forces. Nearly a million troops had been annihilated in a mere month, especially by the German 8th Corps, which intensified his sense of humiliation. If the Russian Army of a million could not withstand an opposing force of merely 200,000, how could they possibly continue this war?
After some time, Nicholas managed to vent his anger.
"Gentlemen, our forces have suffered grievous losses at the front. How do we intend to carry on with this war?" He fixed a penetrating gaze on his ministers, his expression foreboding.
"Your Majesty, we must admit that we have suffered a devastating defeat in this war. The combat effectiveness of the Germans has far exceeded our expectations. We believed that their primary forces were engaged on the Western Front, presenting us an opportunity. Yet we never anticipated the potency of a single German corps," lamented Grand Duke Nicholas, the commander of the Russian forces.
As the supreme commander, Grand Duke Nicholas possessed profound insight into the Russian military's capabilities. While the Russian Army ranked low among global powers, to completely dismiss their potential would be unjust. The German forces, indeed formidable, could be countered with a two-to-one advantage. Under normal circumstances, they might hold their ground; however, this time, the Germans had performed beyond all expectations.
"Your Majesty, the German 8th Corps is arguably the strongest in their army. Commanded by the Crown Prince, its superior equipment and formidable firepower exceed that of our entire divisions. A single infantry division boasts more artillery and machine guns than our entire army. It is evident how their firepower dramatically amplifies their combat effectiveness," stated Army Minister Sukhomlinov.
The advanced armament of the Germans was no secret, particularly that of the 8th Corps, which had been transformed into an unrivaled force under QinTian's leadership. Initially, Nicholas had thought that the Crown Prince's extravagant expenditure was merely an indulgence, imagining that the same funds could have equipped four Russian corps. He was confident that four Russian corps could surely defeat the German 8th Corps.
Yet, reality delivered a harsh rebuke; four Russian corps, including an elite division, had been utterly consumed by the German 8th.
"I did not summon you merely to hear of the Germans' might. We have lost four corps, leaving our frontlines dangerously undermanned. What are we to do now? Should the Germans launch another offensive, we would stand little chance of repelling them!" Nicholas declared gravely.
With mobilization still incomplete and the standing army severely depleted, vast swathes of Russian territory lay practically defenseless. Should the Germans advance, they would undoubtedly sweep through, claiming significant portions of the empire.
The Tsar harbored an unyielding attachment to his lands, a sentiment others could scarcely comprehend. Tsar Nicholas II could not abide the thought of Russian territory falling into enemy hands.
"Your Majesty, our mobilization is now well underway. Soon, we will have sufficient forces to deploy to the front lines. Therefore, there is no need for alarm regarding troop shortages. Naturally, newly formed units will not possess the same combat effectiveness as the standing army, necessitating a substantial numerical advantage to confront the Germans. Thus, I propose we immediately initiate the second phase of mobilization to bolster our forces to over five million," Nicholas declared with gravity.
Nicholas furrowed his brow at the prospect of mobilizing such a vast army, fully aware of the considerable financial resources required. However, acknowledging the Germans' fierce combat prowess made it clear that without a significant force, Russia would stand no chance. Consequently, he did not oppose the second phase of mobilization.
"What if the Germans do attack? How can we defend against them?" Nicholas inquired.
"Your Majesty, the Germans are unlikely to launch an immediate assault. Their forces are limited to one corps, and repeated engagements must have incurred substantial losses on their side. Even if their losses were minimal, they still require time to replenish equipment and ammunition, and their weary soldiers need rest. Thus, we have ample time," Grand Duke Nicholas reassured him.
After hearing this, Tsar Nicholas II finally felt some measure of relief.