Chapter 328 Destroying the City

"General, the Russians have retreated back into the city of Chelm, trying to defend the city to the death." Colonel Rommel reported.

"Well, Colonel Rommel, you did a good job in the morning's battle. How many tanks did we lose?" Lieutenant General Zeckert asked.

"General, we lost more than 20 tanks during the battle in the morning. Most of them were damaged due to mechanical failures, and only a few were destroyed by the Russians. After the arsenal was improved, the tanks The reliability of the tank has been greatly improved, and it will not be like before, when a battle is fought, all the tanks will be lost." Colonel Rommel said.

Indeed, as the war continues, German arms companies are also constantly improving the tanks they produce. Although, the looks and performance haven't changed much. However, reliability has been greatly improved, as fewer and fewer tanks are destroyed due to mechanical failures.

Lieutenant General Zeckert nodded, the armored force has become their ace force. It is precisely because of the existence of armored forces that they can easily break through the enemy's defenses. The price paid is also much less than attacking with infantry.

"Colonel Rommel, the Russians must have built a lot of fortifications in the city of Chelm. Can the armored forces cooperate with the infantry in the next battle? With the cooperation of the armored forces, the losses of the infantry will definitely be reduced a lot Yes." Lieutenant General Zeckert said.

Although Rommel and his troops are now assigned to the 17th Army to fight, Lieutenant General Zeckert has command authority. However, when it comes to many issues, Lieutenant General Zeckert will still consult General Rommel first. Will not give orders directly and brutally.

"General, our armored forces have specially trained in street fighting during training. However, in street fighting, our losses will definitely be greater than in field fighting. If His Royal Highness agrees, we are willing to participate in the battle against Chelm During the attack in the city." Lieutenant General Rommel said.

"Okay, I will contact His Royal Highness the Crown Prince immediately." Lieutenant General Zeckert said with a smile.

Lieutenant General Zeckert knew very well that the armored force was Qin Tian's heart and soul, and he had to seek Qin Tian's consent if he wanted the armored force to be involved in the brutal street fighting. Of course, Lieutenant General Zeckert also believed that Qin Tian would definitely agree. Because of this, the casualties of the troops will be greatly reduced.

Uzhhorod, the headquarters of the Austrian army. Perhaps it was because of the impending war that the atmosphere here was very dignified. Staff officers came in and out, very busy.

"His Royal Highness, did your army launch an attack on the Russian army today? How is the situation?" Marshal Herzendorf, chief of staff of the Austrian army, asked with a smile.

Although, it has been decided to cooperate with the German army's actions. However, Marshal Herzendorf, Baron Herzendorf, still had some doubts about whether he could win this battle, so he wanted to ask Qin Tian to get more accurate information.

"Your Excellency Marshal, the offensive has already started this morning, and everything is going very smoothly. Our 17th Army is attacking the Russian army's outer defense line in Cheum. Tomorrow, the 20th Army will also attack Zamosic. Thoroughly Defeat the 4th Russian Army." Qin Tian is very confident in his troops. Although, the Russian army has an absolute advantage in terms of military strength. But Qin Tian still believed that the victory would be theirs.

Baron Herzendorf nodded his head, and Qin Tian's confidence seemed to have infected him as well.

"That's good! Victory will definitely belong to us." Baron Marshal Herzendorf said with a smile.

"Your Excellency Marshal, after we launch an attack on the Russians, their attack will probably start soon. Next, it's up to you. If we can't stop the Russian attack, then our plan will fail. "Qin Tian said solemnly.

"His Royal Highness, please rest assured, we will definitely resist the attack of the Russian army!" Marshal Herzendorf replied with a serious face. Of course he knew how much pressure the Austrian army would be under next. But he still believes that the Austrian army can withstand these pressures. Only when the Austrian army resisted the attack of the Russian army could they win the final victory. Otherwise, everything will fall short.

"Your Highness, a telegram from General Zeckert." The adjutant reported to Qin Tian.

Qin Tian quickly read the telegram, a smile flashed across his face.

"Call General Zeckert back and tell him that the armored forces are fully cooperating with all their actions. In addition, let the logistics department be ready to replenish the armored forces at any time." Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"By the way, tell General Zeckert, don't rush to launch an attack on the city of Cheum, and carry out sufficient firepower first. If necessary, you can also let the aviation team join in." Qin Tian specifically urged.

"Yes, Your Highness." The adjutant immediately sent a telegram.

"Your Highness, it seems that your army has made a breakthrough." Baron Herzendorf said with a smile.

"Yes, Your Excellency the Marshal. The 17th Army has defeated the Russian army outside the city of Chelm. The Russian army has retreated into the city of Chelm after suffering heavy losses. The next step is to launch a further attack. Annihilate all those Russian troops."

"That's great, Your Highness. It seems that our start is very good." Marshal Herzendorf smiled.

General Zeckert, who was on the front line in Chelm, couldn't help laughing after receiving Qin Tian's call back.

"Order the artillery, move forward, and prepare to launch an artillery attack on Chelm. This whole afternoon is their firepower preparation time. Also, send a message to the 8th Air Force that we need their air support. Your Highness requests us, Before launching an attack, it is best to destroy Chelm with shells and bombs." Lieutenant General Zeckert ordered with a smile.

"hiss!"

All the generals couldn't help but take a breath, if the German army attacked Chelm with fierce artillery fire and air strikes and destroyed the city. Then, the Russian army stationed in the city will inevitably suffer heavy losses. The fortifications they built will also be reduced to ruins in the German attack. In this case, it will undoubtedly make the Russian army's goal of blocking the German army's attack through street fighting and causing heavy damage to the German army's vital forces completely defeated.

Of course, this will be very beneficial to the German army. It's just that it will consume a lot of ammunition.

"His Royal Highness's order is very correct. Destroy Chelm with artillery fire and bombing, causing heavy casualties to the Russians. At that time, let's see how they will stop our attack." The generals applauded.