Chapter 334 Urban Street Fighting

When the Russian army gathered three armies and launched a fierce attack on the Austrian defense line, the attack of the German 8th Army continued.

The German 20th Army and part of the 8th Armored Division, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Mackensen, launched a fierce attack on Zamosic, which was stationed by a part of the Russian 4th Army. Everything is like a replica of the German 17th Army and the 8th Armored Division outside the city of Chelm yesterday. The troops of the Russian 4th Army simply cannot withstand the attack of the German armored forces.

The defense line of the Russian army outside the city of Zamość was quickly breached by the German army. The Russian army, which suffered heavy losses, had to retreat to the city of Zamość in an attempt to resist. However, what awaited them was still the heavy shelling of the German army and the bombing of the air force. The shelling and bombing of the German army in Chelm yesterday afternoon achieved good results. Such excellent combat experience will of course be extended to other troops. In this case, the German army can win at the least cost.

While the German 20th Army and part of the 8th Armored Division beat the Russians in Zamosic, the German 17th Army and part of the 8th Armored Division continued their attack in Chelm.

Shortly after dawn, the artillery of the German 17th Army began shelling Chelm. Last night, a large shipment of shells was brought in, which enabled the cannon to continue firing.

The fierce artillery fire once again attacked Chelm, a city that had basically been turned into ruins. The violent explosion sounded again in the city. The Russian army, which had just woken up, had to accept the baptism of the German artillery fire again.

The Russian soldiers in the city were already very tired. Last night, they were asked by the officers to repair the damaged fortifications, and they continued until very late before they were able to rest. Even so, it was just a little repair of those broken fortifications. It is very difficult to say how effective these fortifications re-established on the ruins can play under the fierce attack of the German army.

However, what the Russian army did not expect was that after dawn the next day, the German army would launch another large-scale bombardment. The fortifications they painstakingly built were once again destroyed by the fierce German shelling. At the same time, the German bombardment caused even greater casualties to the Russian troops who lost their cover in the city. As a result, the number of Russian troops in the city further decreased. Of course, let alone the morale of the Russian army, it is almost about to hit the bottom.

Not only the artillery of the German 17th Army launched the attack, but the German 8th Air Force also joined the attack on Chelm. A large number of bombers dropped bombs over the city of Chelm, and carried out carpet bombing of the Russian army in the city. Although this intensive bombing method is a bit of a waste of ammunition. However, I have to admit that the effect is very good. A bombed area, everything will be bombed. The losses caused to the Russian army are also very astonishing.

"God! Are the Germans planning to directly use shelling and bombing to destroy us? How long will their endless shelling and bombing continue!" Lieutenant General Feodor roared angrily. Now he was like a bear trapped in a trap, although he slapped around angrily, but there was no hope of escaping at all.

Lieutenant General Golovin said nothing, but his face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. Originally, they all thought that with their huge force, they could hold out in Chelm for a long time. Even, there is a chance to turn defeat into victory. However, the German army gave them a slap in the face with facts, letting them know that all their previous assumptions were nothing but delusions. Before the German army really launched an offensive, they had already caused them to pay huge casualties. Under such circumstances, not to mention defeating the German army, even defending Chelm was almost impossible.

"The current situation is very unfavorable to us! The Germans actually adopted such a tactic against us. It is almost impossible for us to resist their attack in Chelm." Lieutenant General Golovin said.

Lieutenant General Fyodor nodded: "However, we have no other way. Unless we abandon Chelm and flee to Lvov. But if we do that, General Dimitriev and Ivan General Nov will not let us go."

Lieutenant General Golovin smiled bitterly: "It seems that we can only defend here!"

Indeed, the Russian army's large-scale offensive against the Austrian army has already begun, which means that their plan has been fully implemented and cannot be stopped at all. Before the Russian army defeated the Austrian army, the task of the 4th Army was to resist the attack of the German 8th Army. Anyone who dares to violate this order will be severely punished. Therefore, Lieutenant General Fyodor and Lieutenant General Golovin, even knowing that it is not a good idea to stick to Chelm. However, they have no other way.

"General, the German offensive has begun. They dispatched a large number of infantry and tanks to attack the city." A staff officer reported.

"Order all the ministries to defend the line of defense. No one is allowed to retreat without an order to retreat!" Lieutenant General Fyodor ordered viciously.

"Yes, General." The staff officer immediately went to convey the order.

"How long we can persist in Chelm depends on the German attack. I hope we can persist for a little longer!" Lieutenant General Golovin said.

"Urban street fighting is not field fighting. The advantage of the Germans is not that great anymore." Lieutenant General Fyodor said.

Outside Chelm, the German attack had already begun. The 49th Infantry Division and the 50th Infantry Division under the German 17th Army divided into two groups and launched an attack on Chelm. A part of the 8th Armored Division led by Colonel Rommel was also divided into two parts to assist the two infantry divisions in their offensive.

In this round of attack alone, the German army invested nearly 40,000 troops. It can be seen that Lieutenant General Zeckert is full of confidence in this attack. You know, the original Russian army deployed in Chelm had a total of 100,000 troops. However, the combined losses of yesterday and this morning have resulted in the loss of more than half of the Russian army. The number of Russian troops in the city is less than 50,000. Facing the German attack, it was undoubtedly very difficult for them to defend Chelm.

The 8th Army of the German Army has specially trained in the subject of urban street fighting, although this is the first time it has conducted actual combat. However, they performed handily, very well.