The two infantry divisions of the German 17th Army, along with a portion of the 8th Armored Division, commenced their assault on the city of Hium, officially marking the onset of brutal urban combat. The Germans aimed to eliminate the Russian forces entrenched within, while the Russians sought to utilize the chaos of street fighting to overcome their formidable adversaries. Ultimately, the outcome of this fierce confrontation remained uncertain, resting solely on the results of the impending battles.
The Russian defenses at the city's outskirts proved utterly incapable of withstanding the German onslaught. As tanks led the infantry in a concerted charge, they swiftly shattered the Russian lines. Yet, the true ferocity of combat would only manifest once they penetrated deeper into the urban landscape.
Upon breaching Hium, the German forces swiftly executed their battle plans, informed by prior training. It was evident that a large-scale assault in the confined streets was impractical; thus, units were subdivided into smaller contingents to navigate the narrow thoroughfares. This tactic allowed for greater flexibility, particularly with armored support, enabling them to easily overpower their opponents in close-quarters skirmishes.
A solitary tank rumbled through the ruins of the street, its turret swiveling to seek out potential threats. A contingent of German soldiers trailed closely behind, maintaining vigilance while benefiting from the tank's protective cover.
Suddenly, gunfire erupted. A Russian machine gun, positioned among the debris, unleashed a deadly barrage, dropping several German soldiers to the ground as others sought refuge.
At that critical moment, the tank proved invaluable. Its turret rotated, locking onto the machine gun's position. With a thunderous roar, the tank's cannon fired, a high-explosive shell obliterating the Russian gunner's stronghold. Simultaneously, the tank's machine gun began to spray fire, suppressing the remaining Russian forces hidden in the ruins.
Emboldened by the tank's covering fire, the previously crouching German soldiers surged forward, encircling the Russians and, after fierce combat, eliminating the defenders.
With the immediate vicinity secured, the Germans continued their relentless advance. Employing this tactical approach, they gradually cleared the Russian presence from Hium, systematically encroaching upon their territory and squeezing their operational space. Once the Russians were completely cornered, annihilation would follow, and Hium would fall into German hands.
For the Germans, the primary objective of this battle was the eradication of Russian combat capabilities, rather than mere territorial gain. The loss or capture of a city held little significance compared to the decimation of the over a million-strong Russian Southwestern Front. Such a victory would define the campaign's success.
A mortar shell suddenly struck among the cautiously advancing German troops, claiming several lives. "Take cover!" a platoon leader bellowed, prompting soldiers to scramble for safety.
The Russians continued their mortar fire, but the Germans, prepared for the assault, sustained minimal casualties. "Target the enemy's artillery!" the platoon leader commanded.
"Sir, the Russian mortars are located around the street corner; we cannot reach them!" replied the mortar crew.
"Curse it! What about the snipers? Can they eliminate the Russian mortars?" the platoon leader inquired.
"Unable to acquire a target!" the sniper reported.
"Damn! Request support from battalion headquarters; we need a tank!" the platoon leader ordered.
"Yes, sir," the messenger acknowledged, hastily exiting the street to seek assistance.
However, it soon became clear that his plea was unnecessary. An F2 fighter aircraft flew over the area, spotting the Russian position before initiating its attack.
With a rapid burst, the aircraft's machine guns decimated the Russians sheltering at the street corner. The firepower was devastating, leaving little chance for survival for those caught in the onslaught. Shells striking the Russian mortars sparked brilliant explosions.
"Excellent! Charge!" commanded the German platoon leader, rallying his troops.
With the aircraft providing cover, a dozen soldiers rushed forward, neutralizing the hidden Russian forces.
As the 17th Army engaged in battle at Hium, the 8th Air Division also provided crucial air support. Although the bombers primarily targeted Zamoshchy to aid the 20th Army, a contingent of fighters arrived to bolster the 17th Army's efforts. Their presence significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the ground assault.
Despite Hium becoming a wasteland under the relentless German bombardment, the Russians, like cornered rats, fought back fiercely from the rubble. Ground assaults often struggled to eliminate them, but the aerial forces easily identified and targeted their positions.
The synergy of air and ground tactics placed the Russians at a severe disadvantage, rendering their plans to defend Hium futile.
"General, the German offensive is relentless! They have both tank and air support; we cannot withstand their assaults! Our casualties are mounting, and morale is plummeting," a Russian division commander reported to Generals Fyodor and Golovin.
"Damn it! Is it not merely urban combat? How can the Germans employ both tanks and aircraft against us? How are we to hold our ground?" Fyodor erupted in fury.
Golovin's expression mirrored the gravity of their plight. The German tactics seemed excessively cruel; faced with such overwhelming force, the Russian defenders could hardly hope to endure. Holding out for even half a month appeared delusional, and it was likely they would falter within four or five days.
Yet, even this estimation underestimated the dire situation. Under the ferocious German onslaught, by midday, the Germans had already secured one-third of Hium. At this rate, the entire city would fall within two days, and the fate of the defending Russian forces was all but sealed.