Chapter 272 The Attack Begins

"General, are we really going north to rescue the 2nd Guards Army?" a general asked.

"Does it need to be said? Relying on our strength alone, we will definitely not be the opponents of the Germans. The lessons learned by the 1st Army and the 2nd Army are already in front of our eyes." Admiral Letsky said .

"But, General. I'm worried that even if we go to rescue the 2nd Guards Army, it won't have much effect. When the Germans wiped out the 2nd Army, they also sent troops to contain the 1st Army. I can For sure, once we go north, we will definitely encounter the German troops." The general said.

Admiral Letsky nodded, of course he knew this too.

"I know, but we have no other choice. The 2nd Guards Army must be rescued. If we don't rescue them, they will be finished. Without the assistance of the 2nd Guards Army, we are in the Kingdom of Poland, Don't even think about resisting the Germans." Admiral Letzsky looked a little helpless.

"General, we can retreat, back to Russia."

"Unless it is absolutely necessary, we must not withdraw to Russia. Otherwise, His Majesty the Tsar will not let us go. What's more, although the German army is very strong, we are not without a chance. The 2nd Army is only less than two days away. If we can break through the German blockade, arrive in time, and join the 2nd Guards Army, with our huge force of nearly 400,000 people, the Germans will eat us. It's not that easy. When the follow-up reinforcements arrive, we will be able to completely gain the upper hand on the Polish battlefield. By then, we will definitely be able to defeat the Germans." Admiral Letzski said.

Admiral Letzsky knew very well that the German army's combat effectiveness was very strong. If it had the same strength, it would be impossible for Russia to be Germany's opponent. But now, the main force of the German army is on the Western Front, fighting against the British and French forces on the front of the Marne River. On the entire Eastern Front, the German army only had one legion, 200,000 people. And Russia's military strength, as long as the mobilization is complete, will number in the millions. The millions of Russian troops, no matter how poorly equipped they are, are enough to crush the 200,000 German troops.

Although, Admiral Letsky also knew that this might be very difficult. However, he also knew that this was the only thing he could do.

"Send a telegram to General Krapovich and tell him that we will do our best to rescue them. But please insist on it. Otherwise, no one will be able to save them." Admiral Rezsky said.

"Yes, General." The adjutant immediately went to send a telegram.

The 9th Army of the Russian Army stopped marching towards Warsaw, but turned a corner and began to march towards the city, preparing to go to reinforce the 2nd Guards Army, which was surrounded by the Germans. As for General Ivan Jilinski's order to rush to Warsaw, no one has followed it. After all, in the case that the 2nd Guards Army may be eaten, unless the head is kicked by a donkey. Otherwise, Admiral Letzki would not be so foolish as to go to Warsaw.

Admiral Letzsky's decision made the crisis-ridden Admiral Krapovich and the 2nd Guards Army a sigh of relief. What they were most afraid of was that Admiral Letsky would choose not to save him. In that case, they may have to fight to the death. Fortunately, Admiral Letsky did not do that.

"Everyone, General Letsky has led the Ninth Army to the north. Therefore, we are not fighting alone. Soon, our reinforcements will arrive. By then, we will not only be able to safely survive this crisis , and even be able to fight back against the Germans. Therefore, before the arrival of the 9th Army, I hope that you can lead the troops, hold your own defense lines, and resist the German attack. In this case, it is not only to save the current unfavorable situation. At the same time, you are saving yourselves!" General Krapovich said.

"Yes, General." The generals all replied in unison. The rescue of the 9th Army made the generals of the 2nd Russian Guards Army also see a glimmer of hope, which also re-inspired their fighting spirit.

Of course, having confidence is a good thing. However, it is not so easy to resist the German attack. Soon, after the German attack, these Russians will know that even if they muster their courage, they may not be able to resist the German attack. At that time, there will be a huge contrast, making them more likely to collapse.

The German 8th Army did not give the Russian 2nd Guards Army much time to prepare. At 9 o'clock that morning, after confirming that the 2nd Russian Guards Army had fallen into their well-prepared encirclement, the 11th Army of the German 8th Army and the 8th Armored Division were ready to launch an attack.

"Fire!"

With the order of the artillery commander, the artillery regiments and artillery battalions of the infantry divisions under the 8th Army and the 11th Army of the German Army began to fire violently on the Russian defense line. The four infantry divisions under the 11th Army are all equipped with a large number of artillery. 150mm heavy howitzers, 105mm light howitzers and 75mm field guns are huge in number, far more than the 48 76.2mm field guns of an infantry division of the Russian army.

Although, the role of artillery is becoming more and more important in army operations. But because of cost, economic and military constraints, not all countries are willing to equip their troops with so many artillery pieces. There are only a few countries that are willing to spend such a large amount of money.

Even so, Qin Tian still thinks that the German artillery is not strong. If the German Army can be further restructured, the corps unit will be abolished, and the infantry divisions will be directly under the corps (group army). In this case, Qin Tian intends to add another heavy artillery brigade under the group army, equipped with 210mm howitzers. Of course, this requires further improvement of technology and the development of a self-propelled howitzer. Otherwise, it would be very difficult for the heavy 210mm cannon to be towed by trucks or horses.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The cannons began to roar, and the shells were smashed towards the position of the 2nd Russian Guards Army.

Groups of fireballs rose from the position of the Russian army, filled with smoke.

On the position of the Russian army, there was a piece of flying sand and rocks. Every shell exploded, leaving huge craters on the Russian army's position. Many Russian soldiers were killed by German shelling.