Chapter 0204: Counterattack

The headquarters of the Russian Second Army, commanded by General Samsonov, darkened in countenance upon receiving a telegram from General Ivan Zhilinski. 

"Damn it! Are we truly to serve as bait for the First Army, creating opportunities for them? Is this not asking us to endure the flames for their benefit?" General Samsonov roared in anger. 

Yet, he understood this was the most viable course of action. Given that the Second Army had been halted at Tannenberg, relying on the First Army for a decisive assault left them with little choice. 

The officers of the Russian Second Army harbored their own frustrations, but they dared not defy General Zhilinski's orders. Should the tides of war turn against them, they would undoubtedly bear the brunt of the blame. The Tsar showed little tolerance for commanders who faced defeat.

"General, what should we do now? Shall we carry out the orders?" one officer inquired. 

"Is that even a question? What other option do we have aside from following orders? But let me tell you, that scoundrel Leiningkamp shouldn't rejoice too soon. They may have been fortunate enough to capture Königsberg and seize the German Crown Prince, yet our contributions cannot be overlooked. They must share half of their spoils with us; otherwise, I will not let this matter rest," Samsonov declared, seething. This battle left him feeling somewhat stifled, but what could he do? Fate had dealt him a poor hand, making him a prime target for the Germans.

At this moment, the Russian First Army was advancing toward Königsberg. However, upon entering the Masurian Lake region, their pace significantly slowed. The terrain was riddled with swamps, making passage difficult. The bulk of the Russian forces moved slowly, frequently halting, while they continued to face German skirmishes. Although the opposing units were small, their firepower was fierce, inflicting considerable losses on the First Army. Had it not been for their overwhelming numbers, they might have struggled to maintain their advance.

Upon receiving the telegram from Warsaw, General Leiningkamp burst into laughter. 

"Haha, God bless! The damned Germans have turned their attention to that fool Samsonov. Let's hope he can hold out. However, this means that what stands in our way is merely a small German unit. Their main forces are gathered at Tannenberg. Order the entire army to accelerate; upon encountering German resistance, immediately deploy cavalry to disperse them, and we must hasten out of the Masurian Lake region and assault Königsberg!" Leiningkamp joyfully issued the command. In his view, with the German main force occupied by the Second Army, victory for the First Army was all but assured. 

The First Army quickened its pace, but even then, it moved as sluggishly as a snail. The German 17th Army, exploiting their familiarity with the terrain and superior firepower, launched a series of layers of resistance and harassment against the First Army, severely impeding their progress. This delay provided the German 8th Corps the opportunity to encircle the Russian Second Army, buying them crucial time.

At Tannenberg, the command center of the German 11th Army, General François and his colleagues were analyzing the battlefield.

"General, the Russians have resumed their offensive," reported a staff officer.

"What? The Russians have not ceased their attack or retreated, but instead continue their advance? Have they lost their minds?" Major General Mackensen exclaimed, astonished. The Russians were behaving most unusually.

"Could it be that the Russians are truly seeking their own demise?" General François furrowed his brow.

"Gentlemen, could the Russians be attempting to delay our main forces with their aggressive attacks, thereby creating opportunities for their other units? Let us not forget that the Russian First Army is advancing from the east," interjected Colonel Guderian, acting commander of the 8th Armored Division.

François and Mackensen's eyes brightened at this insight. 

"Send a telegram to the 17th Army, inquiring if there have been any unusual activities from the Russian First Army," François commanded.

"Yes, General," the communications officer promptly set about contacting the 11th Army.

"We shall receive news shortly. If the Russians are indeed calculating in this manner, they will find themselves mistaken. The 17th Army is not so easily defeated. However, we cannot afford to delay any longer; we must launch a counteroffensive without hesitation. If we take too long, the 17th Army will suffer significant losses, making it difficult to speak with General Zeckert afterward," François declared.

Major General Mackensen nodded in agreement. His 20th Army, having played the role of bait, had long harbored a reservoir of pent-up frustration, and he was eager to strike back.

As for Colonel Guderian, he was positively exhilarated. This counteroffensive would mark the first battle for the 8th Armored Division since its establishment. As a young acting commander, he was acutely aware of the doubts others held about him. He needed a resounding victory to silence the critics. 

News from the 17th Army soon arrived. The Russian First Army had indeed accelerated its march; however, it remained firmly entangled by the 17th Army's defenses.

"Gentlemen, it seems that Colonel Guderian was correct; the Russians intend to delay us at Tannenberg to create opportunities for their First Army. Given this, we cannot allow them to succeed. Order all units to prepare for a counteroffensive. The timing for this counterattack will be set for the day after tomorrow, on the morning of the 21st. By then, I believe the living strength of the Russian Second Army will have been sufficiently depleted. We shall strike then, assured of defeating them. The only lingering question is how great our gains will be from this counteroffensive," General François remarked with a smile.

"Haha, this time we will surely annihilate the Russian Second Army. Then we will assist the 17th Army in defeating the Russian First Army as well," Major General Mackensen laughed heartily.

The other commanders shared in the jovial atmosphere, their spirits lifted as they eagerly awaited the moment to launch their counteroffensive and decisively deal with the Russian Second Army, or at the very least, significantly weaken its combat capabilities.