Haium, one of the two strategic strongholds heavily fortified by the Russian 4th Army, housed an impressive contingent of 100,000 men, constituting a third of the army's total strength. Additionally, another 100,000 were stationed at Zamosc, with the final third held in reserve.
General Dmitriev, commander of the 4th Army, had established his command post in Haium, aiming to fortify this critical strategic juncture against the German onslaught.
"General, the Germans have begun preparations for their assault. We anticipate that their attack will commence shortly," reported his aide.
Hearing this, Dmitriev felt a tightening in his chest. Although he had long foreseen this inevitable day, he had not expected it to arrive so swiftly.
A seasoned veteran of the battlefield, Dmitriev had witnessed the specter of death countless times. Despite his extensive military experience, he could not mask the tension—or even the fear—etched across his face in the face of the impending German assault.
"Order all troops to prepare for combat. The 22nd and 34th Armies must stand ready to provide reinforcements!" Dmitriev commanded.
"Yes, General," his aide nodded, mirroring the gravity of the situation.
"How prepared is our defensive line? In particular, have the anti-tank trenches been excavated to counter the German tanks?" Dmitriev inquired.
Excavating broad anti-tank trenches had become the sole strategy for the Russians in confronting the German armored units. With no other effective weaponry to combat the tanks, they relied on these three-meter-wide ditches for deterrence.
Though Russian engineering had its limitations, digging trenches was a relatively straightforward task, requiring only the officers to galvanize their weary soldiers into action.
"General, the anti-tank trenches are completed, excavated to your specifications at three meters wide. If the Germans attempt to advance, they will surely be thwarted!" his aide replied with excitement.
"Excellent! May God grant us strength; we must withstand the German offensive this time," Dmitriev managed a faint smile.
His greatest concern was the German tank divisions. In his estimation, while the Germans were formidable, their offensive capabilities were significantly diminished without their tanks. If they could successfully repel the German armored units, they might endure the attack, even if they could not outright defeat the Germans.
Meanwhile, on the positions of the German 17th Army, General Zeckt surveyed the Russian defenses through binoculars. The infantry divisions under his command were already preparing for the assault. Soldiers queued for breakfast, and the quartermaster distributed ammunition to every man.
A cadre of officers stood behind Zeckt.
"The Russians have clearly been preparing! They've even dug anti-tank trenches. Colonel Rommel, it appears you face significant challenges this time," Zeckt remarked, setting down his binoculars with a smile.
"General, it's hardly a major issue—merely some minor inconveniences. Our greatest dilemma remains mechanical failures, particularly until the Russians acquire the weaponry capable of destroying our tanks. Tanks lost to mechanical issues far outnumber those destroyed by the enemy," Rommel scoffed.
Now serving as the deputy commander of the 8th Armored Division and commanding the 1st Regiment, Rommel had recently been promoted to colonel. However, it was rumored he would soon transfer to the newly forming 9th Armored Division as its commander. With his outstanding abilities and the Crown Prince's support, he was poised to become one of the youngest generals in the history of the German Army.
The 8th Armored Division had been split into two segments, with Rommel leading one part to assist the 17th Army in attacking Haium, while Brigadier Guderian commanded the other segment to support the 20th Army in assaulting Zamosc.
"If that's the case, we should face no substantial obstacles. Are the infantry divisions fully prepared?" Zeckt inquired.
Rommel nodded, having already confirmed through reconnaissance that the Russians had excavated a long anti-tank trench merely one hundred meters in front of their lines. The three-meter-wide trench posed a formidable barrier to the German tanks, which would undoubtedly be hindered if they attempted an assault. Fortunately for the Germans, the Russians lacked anti-tank artillery; otherwise, the armored divisions would face considerable difficulties. Filling the trenches with a few trucks carrying stones and earth would be relatively straightforward.
The commanders of the other three infantry divisions nodded in agreement, indicating their readiness.
"Commence artillery bombardment in ten minutes to prepare the field. After half an hour of fire support, the armored divisions and the 50th Infantry Division will launch an attack, aiming to tear through the Russian defenses," Zeckt ordered.
"Yes, General," came the chorus of responses. Everyone understood that the momentous battle was about to begin. The fate of the 8th Army in this conflict depended on their actions.
In this engagement, the 17th Army would initiate the attack, while the 20th Army would not strike until the following day. The 11th Army would serve as a reserve force.
At the artillery positions, preparations were in full swing. A total of 54 heavy 150mm howitzers, 108 light 105mm howitzers, and 162 75mm field guns were poised for action.
"Fire!"
With the commander's order, the artillery began its bombardment.
"Boom! Boom!"
Heavy shells were launched with tremendous force, hurtling towards their designated targets.