Sret, the Command Headquarters of the Russian Southwestern Front.
As the course of battle progressed, the situation appeared increasingly unfavorable for the Russian forces. This shift in dynamics cast a palpable tension over the command headquarters, leaving even General Ivanov, the commander of the front, with a perpetually furrowed brow.
"What is the status at the front? Have our troops breached the lines of the Austro-Hungarian army?" General Ivanov inquired.
"General, the fighting continues. Our various armies are launching fierce assaults; however, the Austro-Hungarian resistance remains resolute. As of now, we have not been able to penetrate their defenses," the aide reported.
"Damn it! Those Austro-Hungarian cowards seem to have transformed entirely. Compared to earlier, their tenacity is like night and day!" General Ivanov lamented.
Initially, the Russian forces had held the upper hand in their engagements with the Austro-Hungarians. Yet, in this decisive confrontation, the Austro-Hungarian troops appeared revitalized, fighting tenaciously against the Russians and preventing any breakthroughs. Moreover, the Russian losses continued to mount, filling General Ivanov with deep concern about the impending outcome of the battle.
If the Russian forces could not break through the Austro-Hungarian defenses, and if the 4th Army faltered against the assault of the German 8th Corps, the battle would inevitably culminate in a Russian defeat. At that juncture, the Southwestern Front would suffer a severe blow, leaving the Russians on the Eastern Front at a distinct disadvantage—consequences that the commanders could scarcely endure.
"What news from General Dmitriev?" Ivanov asked.
"General, the situation within the 4th Army is dire. General Dmitriev has just sent an urgent telegram requesting reinforcements; without them, he fears they will not be able to hold out much longer," the aide replied.
Ivanov's brow knitted tighter in concern. This battle had become exceedingly stifling. Not only was the tenacity of the Austro-Hungarians unexpected, but the might of the Germans was also beyond his anticipation. These unforeseen factors placed the Russian forces at a distinct disadvantage.
"Damn it! Three hundred thousand men, and they cannot hold for even half a month?" Ivanov cursed.
"General, the German assault is formidable, and the 4th Army has suffered substantial losses. Yesterday, the Germans captured Haum. The garrison there, numbering one hundred thousand, has sustained heavy casualties, with the remaining troops surrendering—including Generals Feodor and Golovin. The 22nd Infantry Corps attempted to reinforce Haum but was overwhelmed before even reaching the position. Simultaneously, the Germans are fiercely attacking Zamosc, making it extremely challenging for the 4th Army to withstand their onslaught. The situation is critical," the aide explained.
General Ivanov fell silent, realizing from the aide's report just how precarious the 4th Army's position truly was. The main forces of the 4th Army were on the brink of annihilation under the relentless attacks of the German 8th Corps. If this continued, the 4th Army would likely be completely wiped out.
"Do we have any reserves?" Ivanov inquired. Regardless of the circumstances, if the 4th Army truly could not hold, he could not stand idly by; reinforcements were imperative. The ability of the 4th Army to withstand the German assault was directly tied to whether they could secure enough time to continue the fight.
"General, we no longer have any surplus troops. All forces from the 3rd, 8th, and 11th Armies have been committed to the assault against the Austro-Hungarians. The 13th Army is en route, but it will take at least ten more days to arrive on the battlefield," the aide reported.
Ivanov pondered for a moment before stating, "Send a telegram to General Dmitriev, instructing him to hold for at least another ten days. The 13th Army will join the fight immediately upon arrival!"
With no other options available, Ivanov sought to offer General Dmitriev and the 4th Army a glimmer of hope, hoping to bolster their morale to continue the fight. Whether the 4th Army could endure until the 13th Army arrived would now be a matter of divine will.
"Yes, General," the aide nodded, departing to send the message.
After the aide left, General Ivanov's expression darkened. The current circumstances were overwhelmingly disadvantageous for them. He could sense that they were on the verge of losing the war. The most rational choice would undoubtedly be to immediately contract their lines and dig in, or retreat into the heart of Russia to exchange space for time.
However, such a course of action was clearly untenable for General Ivanov. It would mean that all the sacrifices they had made would have been in vain, and they would relinquish vast territories on the battlefield.
Despite being the only viable method to minimize losses, Tsar Nicholas II would never accept it. He would attribute any failures to the incompetence of the commanders, resulting in significant troop losses and territorial concessions. The consequence for these commanders could very well be a military tribunal, or worse, a direct sentence from the wrathful Tsar.
Thus, since the battle had commenced, Ivanov found himself with no retreat. His only option was to persist in the fight until they achieved either ultimate victory or complete defeat.
Of course, Ivanov's decision to continue the struggle was also fueled by a lingering hope. He believed that, although the current situation was bleak for the Russians, it did not entirely eliminate their chances for victory. Should the Russians manage to breach the Austro-Hungarian lines and dismantle their defenses, the tide of battle could turn. Otherwise, they would be destined for defeat.
"May God protect us!" General Ivanov silently prayed.
With renewed resolve, he once again issued orders to the 3rd, 8th, and 11th Armies, demanding they intensify their attacks. Within three days, they must shatter the Austro-Hungarian defenses; otherwise, their chances of success would vanish. Ivanov had pinned all his hopes on the coming three days of combat.