Chapter 342 No way out
Streiter, the headquarters of the Russian Southwest Front. As the battle situation continues to develop, the situation seems to be becoming more and more unfavorable to the Russian army. This also made the atmosphere of the entire front army headquarters more and more tense. Even General Ivanov, the commander of the front army, kept his face tense.
"How is the situation on the front line? Have our troops broken through the defense line of the Austro-Hungarian Army?" Admiral Ivanov asked.
"General, the battle is still going on. All our armies are launching fierce attacks. However, the resistance of the Austrian army is also very tenacious. So far, they have not been able to break through the Austrian army's defense line." The adjutant reported.
"Damn! Those cowards of the Austro-Hungarian Empire seem to have completely changed their troops. Compared with before, there is a world of difference!" Admiral Ivanov sighed.
In the early days of the war, the Russian army always had the upper hand in the battle with the Austrian army. However, in this decisive battle, the Austrian army seemed to have been reborn, and became alive and well. During the battle, they fought desperately against the Russian army, which made the Russian army unable to break through their defense line for a long time. And, the losses are getting bigger and bigger. This made Admiral Ivanov couldn't help expressing concern about the next battle situation.
If, the Russian army has been unable to break through the Austrian defense line for a long time. The 4th Army could not withstand the attack of the German 8th Army. Then, this battle ended in the defeat of the Russian army. At that time, the Southwest Front Army will suffer a heavy blow. The Russian army will also be at a complete disadvantage on the Eastern Front. Such consequences will not be acceptable to these generals.
"How's the situation with General Dimitriev?" Admiral Ivanov asked.
"General, the situation of the 4th Army is also very bad. General Dimitriev just sent a telegram asking for help, hoping that we will send reinforcements to the 4th Army. Otherwise, they may not be able to last long." The adjutant said.
Admiral Ivanov frowned tightly. This battle was really aggrieved. Not only the tenacity of the Austrian army exceeded General Ivanov's expectations. The strength of the German army exceeded his expectations. These two unexpected factors put the Russian army at a disadvantage in this battle.
"Damn! 300,000 people, can't hold on for half a month?" Admiral Ivanov couldn't help cursing.
"General, the German attack was very powerful. The 4th Army suffered heavy losses. Yesterday, the German army captured Chelm. Most of the 100,000 people stationed there were killed. The remaining troops also sent to Germany People surrendered. Including Lieutenant General Fyodor and Lieutenant General Golovin. The day before yesterday, the 22nd Infantry Corps went to rescue Dicheum, but it was defeated by the Germans before reaching Chelm. The Germans At the same time, it was still storming Zamość, and the troops stationed there by the 4th Army also had difficulty resisting the German attack. Therefore, the situation is very critical.” The adjutant explained.
General Ivanov remained silent. From the situation reported by the adjutant just now, he also knew that the situation of the 4th Army is indeed very difficult. The main force of the 4th Army was almost completely lost under the onslaught of the German 8th Army. If this continues, the 4th Army may soon be wiped out.
"Do we have any spare troops?" Admiral Ivanov asked. In any case, if the 4th Army really couldn't resist it, it was impossible for him to ignore it, and reinforcements had to be carried out. Whether the 4th Army can withstand the German attack is directly related to whether they have enough time to continue the battle.
"General, we have no spare troops. All the troops of the 3rd Army, the 8th Army and the 11th Army have been dispatched to attack the Austrian Army. The 13th Army is still on the way. At least It will take more than ten days before we can reach the battlefield." The adjutant said.
Admiral Ivanov thought for a while, and then said: "Send a telegram to General Dimitriev, asking him to persist for at least ten more days. After the 13th Army, we will directly cooperate with them in combat!"
General Ivanov has no other choice but to give General Dimitriev and the 4th Army a hope so that they can muster up the courage to continue fighting. As for whether the 4th Army can persist until the 13th Army arrives, it depends on God's will.
"Yes, General." The adjutant nodded and went to send a telegram.
After the adjutant left, Admiral Ivanov's face darkened. The current situation is really unfavorable to them. He could already faintly feel that they might lose the war this time. The most sensible choice is undoubtedly to shrink the line of defense immediately and stick to it from now on. Or retreat to the heart of Russia, trading time through space.
However, it is obviously impossible for Admiral Ivanov to do so. If you do that, it means that all the losses that the Russian army has paid before will be in vain. At the same time, it also means that they will be at a disadvantage on the battlefield and lose a large area of territory.
Although, this is the only way to reduce losses. But Tsar Nicholas II would never believe it. He would only think that it was the incompetence of the generals that led to the defeat of the Russian army, the loss of a large number of troops, and the loss of a large area of territory. What awaits these generals may be a trial by a military court, or even be sent to the gallows by the angry Nicholas II.
Therefore, since the battle has already begun, Admiral Ivanov has no way out. Now he has only one choice, and that is to continue the battle. Until they achieve the final victory, or they lose outright.
Of course, there is another reason why Admiral Ivanov chose to continue the battle, that is, there is still a little luck in his heart. In his view, the current situation is not good for the Russian army. But they are not without a chance of winning. If the Russian army can break through the Austrian defense line and defeat the Austrian army. Then, the situation can be reversed. Otherwise, they will lose this time.
"May God bless us!" Admiral Ivanov secretly prayed to God.
Immediately afterwards, he once again issued orders to the Russian 3rd Army, 8th Army, and 11th Army, asking them to further strengthen their offensive. Within three days, the Austrian defense line must be torn apart. Otherwise, they would have no hope in this battle. It can be said that Admiral Ivanov has completely pinned his hopes on the next three days of fighting.
