On the road from Lviv to Haium, Russian soldiers clad in gray uniforms marched onward. Although these soldiers were tall, their gaunt faces betrayed a state of malnutrition. Their formation was disorganized, a chaotic sight reflecting the overall poor quality of the Russian army among the great powers.
This contingent was the 22nd Infantry Army, part of the 4th Russian Front, predominantly composed of infantry. Aside from a few horses for artillery and supplies, they relied solely on their own two feet. Of course, senior officers were the exception, permitted to ride. Despite the difficult conditions, the needs of commanders were still met.
"General, we are only ten kilometers from Haium. We should arrive by this evening. However, the Germans are fiercely attacking Haium, and our forces stationed there are suffering heavy losses. It may not be wise for us to reach Haium at this moment," remarked a major general to the 22nd Army's commander, General Boris, who sat tall on his horse.
"I am well aware! Feodor and Golovin are barely holding on against the German onslaught. That's why they pressured me to rush here. I would prefer to delay, but what can be done? The general's orders are stringent; if we don't reach Haium today, there will be consequences," Boris replied with resignation.
"Are the Germans truly that formidable?" another major general inquired.
Despite the heavy toll the Germans had inflicted, the 22nd Infantry Army had yet to engage directly with them. Their perceptions of the German strength were solely based on reports from other units.
"The Germans are indeed powerful; otherwise, Feodor and Golovin wouldn't be in such dire straits," Boris affirmed.
"Order the troops to quicken their pace. Regardless of the situation, the general's orders must be obeyed. Let us hasten to Haium to reinforce the defenses and hope to withstand the German assault!" Boris commanded.
Tens of thousands of Russian soldiers began to increase their speed toward Haium, their formation winding across the plain like a gray serpent.
Suddenly, a piercing whistle filled the air, and small black dots rapidly approached from the sky.
The Russian troops on the ground turned pale upon hearing the sound. Having endured two months of war, they were seasoned veterans, fully aware of what this meant.
"Artillery! Take cover!"
Five kilometers ahead, the artillery of the German 51st Infantry Division was opening fire. Eighteen 150mm howitzers, thirty-six 105mm light howitzers, and fifty 75mm field guns unleashed a relentless barrage. The command from above was clear: rain down as many shells as possible on the Russians to maximize casualties.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Shells detonated on the ground, shockwaves scattering shrapnel in all directions. Russian soldiers fell, their lives claimed amidst the chaos. The already disarrayed ranks of the Russian army devolved into utter confusion.
"Damn it, how did the Germans get here? Why are they attacking us? What are Feodor and Golovin doing?" Boris fumed.
Yet at that moment, complaints served no purpose. The ferocious German bombardment was ruthlessly claiming the lives of Russian soldiers.
"What about our artillery? We must retaliate immediately!"
"General, the Germans don't seem to have many guns—only a little over a hundred—which suggests their forces aren't vast. If we counterattack, we can surely defeat them," a Russian major general proposed.
"Very well, let's launch an attack and break through the German lines!" Boris commanded. He realized this was a German effort to obstruct their advance into Haium, indicating that the battle for Haium had reached a critical juncture. If they failed to arrive in time, Haium's fall would become inevitable. In such a case, not only would Feodor and Golovin's troops be annihilated, but they would also fall victim to encirclement by superior German forces.
The Russian generals began organizing their troops for a counteroffensive. However, at that moment, a swarm of German planes appeared in the sky. To support the 17th Army's attack on the Russian reinforcements, the 8th Air Fleet had deployed fifty bombers and fifty fighters to target the 22nd Infantry Army.
"Target acquired! Prioritize attacking the Russian artillery positions and any troops gathering!" commanded the officer in charge of the 8th Air Fleet.
Dozens of bombers and fighters swooped down, ready to strike.
"Planes! German planes! Run!"
The sight of the German aircraft sent the 22nd Infantry Army into a panic once more.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The Russian artillery became the primary target for the air assault. Those gunners, initially attempting to position their cannons, scattered in chaos, abandoning their posts. The gathered artillery was now the perfect target for the German bombers.
"Commence bombing!"
A fighter jet opened its bomb bay, releasing a cascade of munitions from above.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The shells struck the Russian artillery positions, and a series of explosions echoed, dismantling gun after gun.
Meanwhile, the Russian forces preparing to counterattack became easy prey for the German fighter jets.
"Rat-a-tat-tat!"
Fighter planes flew over the Russian ranks, machine guns blazing. The relentless barrage of bullets tore through the ranks, leaving a gruesome trail of blood and bodies. Countless Russian soldiers fell, screaming, as chaos engulfed the remaining troops, who scattered like headless flies, paralyzed by terror.