"Did Dmitriev mention how many troops the Germans have dispatched to attack Lviv?" After the initial panic subsided, General Ivanov gradually regained his composure.
"General, Dmitriev did not specify the exact strength of the German forces. However, he reported that they are under heavy artillery fire and air bombardment," the aide replied.
General Ivanov's brow furrowed deeply. The Germans employing aircraft for bombing indicated that their assault on Lviv was no mere feint; they were determined to seize the city. This was certainly ominous news for the Russians. Should Lviv fall, the southwestern front of the Russian army would nearly face utter defeat.
"No matter what, we cannot lose Lviv; it must be defended at all costs. Inform Dmitriev that he must hold Lviv by any means necessary!" General Ivanov stated solemnly. He understood that the greatest test for the Russian forces was at hand. Their success in this battle hinged on whether the Fourth Army could maintain control of Lviv. If they succeeded, there might still be a chance to endure. But if they faltered, Ivanov would have to consider how to conclude this campaign with minimal losses. Clinging to a desperate struggle would only result in greater casualties for the Russians.
"Yes, General. However, the Fourth Army in Lviv is already significantly depleted. If the Germans launch a fierce assault, it may prove extremely challenging for General Dmitriev to hold the line," the aide remarked.
Ivanov nodded; the decision to deploy the Fourth Army against the German Eighth Corps was a considerable gamble. He had initially thought that with a force of 300,000 men, there might be a glimmer of hope. Yet, he now realized that the German offensive was far more formidable than anticipated! Under such circumstances, how could they possibly withstand the German onslaught?
"How many troops do we still have at our disposal?" Ivanov inquired.
"General, we have exhausted all our reserves. Yesterday afternoon, in a bid to strengthen our assault on the Austrians, we deployed all available reinforcements. Unless we wait for the arrival of the Thirteenth Army, we have no extra forces to mobilize," the aide answered.
A wave of frustration washed over Ivanov; the Austrian defenses were more resilient than he had expected. The three Russian army groups focused on the Austrians had suffered heavy losses without achieving a breakthrough.
"To reinforce General Dmitriev, we will have to draw troops from the front lines," the aide continued.
"Lviv must be defended! Order the Third Army's Third Caucasian Corps to withdraw from the battlefield immediately and reinforce Lviv. Tell Dmitriev that this is the only assistance I can provide. If he can no longer hold, he must go to His Majesty and account for his failures!" Ivanov declared.
"Yes, General." The aide promptly set off to send the telegram.
"Damn the Germans! Are they truly intent on exterminating us?" Ivanov's brow knitted tightly. The current situation was overwhelmingly unfavorable, leaving him feeling profoundly pessimistic about the unfolding events.
At the front near Lviv, the German offensive continued unabated. The Eighth Air Force bombers had completed their bombing runs and withdrawn from the battlefield. Yet, the fighter planes remained, circling the skies like vultures. Upon spotting a target, they would dive mercilessly, unleashing a hail of gunfire that harvested the lives of Russian soldiers.
"General, the time has come," the aide informed General François.
François nodded, "Let the assault commence. Colonel Rommel, this time, it's up to you. The 32nd and 33rd Infantry Divisions will coordinate with the armored units to tear through the Russian defenses."
"Yes, General," Colonel Rommel and the two infantry division commanders affirmed.
"Armored units, advance!" Colonel Rommel commanded loudly.
Eighty tanks roared to life and charged towards the Russian positions. More than twenty thousand infantry from the two divisions followed closely behind, launching their attack.
At this moment, the Russian defenses lay in utter disarray. Under the relentless bombardment and shelling from the Germans, their fortifications resembled fields that had been plowed repeatedly. Defensive structures were shattered, and limbs lay scattered amidst the chaos.
"Quick! The Germans are coming! Take up defensive positions!" the frontline commander shouted, alarmed by the German offensive.
"Get up, you fool! The Germans are here!" a junior Russian officer yelled, grabbing a soldier by his collar.
"Hurry up, you wretched cowards! The Germans are coming! If they break through, we'll be doomed!"
The fortunate few Russian soldiers who had survived the brutal bombardment were herded back into their positions, much like cattle.
However, the sight of the German tanks sent shivers through the ranks. The soldiers of the 22nd Infantry Army, who had faced defeat at Hayum, felt their past horrors resurface at the sight of the tanks.
"Oh God! The German tanks! They've arrived, and we cannot withstand them!" a Russian soldier cried out in terror.
"Fool! Open fire!"
"Rat-a-tat-tat!"
The heavy machine guns at the Russian positions began firing, but against the heavily armored tanks, their bullets posed no threat whatsoever.
Heavy machine guns might decimate infantry, but against tanks, they were utterly ineffective.
"Boom!"
The German tanks commenced their assault, methodically destroying any targets that threatened their infantry. This tactic was familiar territory for the German armored units.
Under the relentless assault of the German tanks, Russian strongpoints fell one after another. Despite the Russians continuing their frantic fire, it appeared to have little effect.
"Oh God! Quickly, the Germans are about to breach our lines!" A German tank closed in, now less than a hundred meters from the Russian defenses.