"General, the Russians have retreated into Haoum City, attempting to make a desperate stand within its walls," reported Colonel Rommel.
"Indeed, Colonel Rommel, you performed admirably in this morning's engagement. How many tanks did we lose?" asked General Zeckert.
"General, we lost over twenty tanks during the morning battle, though the majority were due to mechanical failures; only a scant few were destroyed by the Russians. After improvements made by the armaments factory, the reliability of our tanks has significantly increased, and they no longer suffer such extensive losses as before," replied Colonel Rommel.
As the war progressed, the German arms company continuously refined their tank production. While the exterior and performance remained largely unchanged, their reliability had greatly improved, resulting in fewer tanks lost to mechanical failures.
General Zeckert nodded, recognizing that the armored divisions had become their trump card. It was their presence that enabled swift breakthroughs through enemy lines, at a cost far lesser than an infantry assault would entail.
"Colonel Rommel, the Russians have undoubtedly constructed numerous defensive fortifications within Haoum. Can our armored divisions coordinate with the infantry in the forthcoming battle? With the support of armored units, infantry losses will undoubtedly be reduced," General Zeckert stated.
Although Rommel and his forces were currently assigned to the 17th Army, General Zeckert held the authority to command. Nevertheless, he often sought Rommel's input on significant matters, opting against issuing commands without consultation.
"General, our armored divisions have specifically trained for urban warfare. However, we will undoubtedly incur greater losses in close quarters compared to open-field engagements. If His Highness the Crown Prince consents, we would be eager to participate in the assault on Haoum City," replied Colonel Rommel.
"Very well, I shall contact His Highness immediately," General Zeckert smiled.
He was well aware that the armored divisions were of paramount importance to Qin Tian; to deploy them into fierce urban combat would require Qin Tian's approval. Zeckert was confident that Qin Tian would agree, as this would significantly minimize troop casualties.
At the Austro-Hungarian Army headquarters in Uzhhorod, the atmosphere was notably tense, likely due to the impending large-scale conflict. Staff officers hurried to and fro, consumed with activity.
"Your Highness, has your army commenced its assault against the Russians today? How fares the situation?" inquired Marshal Baron Hertzendorf, his tone cheerful.
Despite having resolved to cooperate with the Germans, Hertzendorf still felt uncertain about the likelihood of success in this operation and sought reassurance from Qin Tian for more concrete information.
"Marshal, the assault began this morning, and everything is proceeding exceedingly well. Our 17th Army is actively engaging the Russian forces stationed along the periphery of Haoum. Tomorrow, the 20th Army will launch an attack on Zamosc, aiming to thoroughly rout the Russian 4th Army," Qin Tian stated confidently regarding his troops. Despite the Russians' numerical superiority, he firmly believed victory would be theirs.
Baron Hertzendorf nodded, feeling a sense of optimism as Qin Tian's confidence appeared to be contagious.
"Excellent! Victory shall certainly be ours," Hertzendorf replied with a smile.
"Marshal, once we initiate our offensive against the Russians, their counterattack is likely to commence swiftly as well. The outcome now hinges upon your forces. If you cannot stave off the Russian assault, our plans will be rendered futile," Qin Tian warned gravely.
"Rest assured, Your Highness, we shall withstand the Russian onslaught!" responded Marshal Hertzendorf solemnly. He was acutely aware of the immense pressure the Austro-Hungarian Army would face, yet he remained confident in their ability to endure. Only if they successfully resisted the Russian attack could they secure ultimate victory; otherwise, all efforts would be in vain.
"Your Highness, a telegram from General Zeckert," reported the aide-de-camp.
Qin Tian swiftly perused the telegram, a smile flickering across his face.
"Reply to General Zeckert, informing him that the armored divisions will fully cooperate with all their operations. Additionally, instruct the logistics department to prepare for immediate resupply of the armored units," Qin Tian commanded.
"Understood, Your Highness."
"Also, tell General Zeckert not to hastily assault Haoum City. They should first conduct sufficient artillery bombardment, and if necessary, involve the air corps as well," Qin Tian advised pointedly.
"Certainly, Your Highness." The aide promptly set off to send the telegram.
"Your Highness, it appears your army has achieved a breakthrough," remarked Marshal Hertzendorf with a grin.
"Yes, indeed, Marshal. The 17th Army has routed the Russians outside Haoum City. In the wake of substantial losses, the Russians have retreated within the city. Next, we shall launch a concerted attack to eliminate them entirely."
"Splendid news, Your Highness! It seems our initial moves are quite promising," said Marshal Hertzendorf, beaming with delight.
At the front in Haoum, General Zeckert smiled upon receiving Qin Tian's reply.
"Order the artillery to advance and prepare for bombardment of Haoum. The entire afternoon will be dedicated to their fire preparation. Furthermore, send a telegram to the 8th Air Corps; we require their aerial support. His Highness requests that we thoroughly devastate Haoum with shells and bombs prior to launching our assault," commanded General Zeckert with a grin.
A collective gasp echoed among the assembled officers. Should the Germans unleash a fierce bombardment and air assault upon Haoum, the Russian forces stationed within would undoubtedly suffer catastrophic losses. Their constructed defenses would be reduced to rubble, thwarting any attempt by the Russians to use urban warfare to counter the German advance and severely deplete the German combat capability.
Undoubtedly, this would be exceedingly advantageous for the Germans, albeit at the expense of considerable ammunition.
"His Highness's orders are indeed sound. To obliterate Haoum with artillery and air strikes will inflict grievous losses upon the Russians. We shall see how they manage to impede our advance thereafter," the gathered officers applauded the decision enthusiastically.