Chapter 0207: Cavalry vs Tanks

The command center of the Russian Second Army was situated approximately ten kilometers behind the defensive line. After witnessing the fierce artillery fire unleashed by the Germans, General Samsonov was exceedingly concerned for his safety. He dreaded the prospect of his command post being struck by German shells, which would leave nothing but bones.

On the morning of the 21st, General Samsonov arose rather late, having consumed two bottles of vodka the previous night. The unfavorable progression of the battle had left him in a dismal mood. Were it not for the evacuation of the German civilians from the combat zone, he might have summoned his guards to find a few German women to relieve his frustrations. However, there wasn't a civilian in sight, let alone a beautiful woman.

While seeking women from the Kingdom of Poland was an option, General Samsonov lacked the audacity for such a venture. If General Ivan Glinka were to discover this, it would spell trouble. Despite their shared rank of general, Ivan Glinka was the commander of a theater and the former Chief of Staff of the Russian Army, with roots and experience far surpassing those of Samsonov.

Thus, General Samsonov resorted to drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Although military regulations prohibited drinking, this rule was rather loosely enforced within the Russian forces, where drinking was rampant among all ranks. From generals to ordinary soldiers, an absence of alcohol could leave one feeling utterly miserable and devoid of combat effectiveness. Consequently, the military police turned a blind eye.

"General, bad news! The Germans have launched a large-scale counteroffensive!" an officer reported to General Samsonov.

"Hmm, I see. Order the frontline troops to adhere to the established plan and thwart the German advance," General Samsonov replied with indifference.

The Germans would counterattack at the opportune moment, a development that did not surprise General Samsonov. Thus, while the Russians had initiated their assault, they were also diligently constructing defensive fortifications. Although the Russian defenses could not compare to those of the Germans, Samsonov believed that the sheer number of Russian troops and their fortifications would suffice to hold back the German offensive. As long as the First Army achieved its objectives, the tide of battle could be turned.

"Yes, General." The officer promptly relayed the orders.

General Samsonov proceeded to wash up in an orderly manner before enjoying his breakfast. Although the intensity of the German shelling occasionally caused him to furrow his brow, he steadfastly believed that while the Russians might not defeat the Germans on the offensive, they could at least hold their ground in defense, resulting in a stalemate.

However, it soon became apparent to General Samsonov that his idealism was starkly misaligned with reality. As he was finishing his bread and beginning to sip his milk, a frantic staff officer burst into the room.

"General, our forward defense line has been breached by the Germans. They are now advancing into our rear!" the officer reported, his face a mask of despair.

"What? How is this possible? How could the German attack be so overwhelming?" General Samsonov exclaimed in disbelief. Even if the Russian combat effectiveness was lacking, their defensive positions should not be so easily penetrated.

"General, the Germans are employing a new type of weapon, armored from head to toe, capable of firing shells and machine gun bullets. We stand no chance against them, which is why we have been defeated," the officer stammered, still in shock.

General Samsonov frowned, "What are you saying? Are you implying they possess weapons of the devil?"

"General, word from the front is that the Germans have acquired devilish weapons that are invincible!" the officer insisted.

"Nonsense!" General Samsonov barked. He refused to believe such claims, considering them merely the excuses of cowardly men who had fled the battlefield. If one were to fabricate a reason for defeat, it ought to be a plausible one. Devilish weapons? That was far too outlandish.

"No, the defense line must not be breached under any circumstances. If it is, the entire Second Army will be doomed," General Samsonov decided after pacing his office.

"Summon Generals Andrei and Karski to lead their troops in repelling the Germans. All other units must regroup immediately. We must hold back the Germans at all costs," General Samsonov commanded.

"Yes, General." The officer hurried off to convey the orders.

Generals Andrei and Karski commanded the Russian Cossack cavalry divisions, totaling over ten thousand men. These were the finest Cossack warriors, a blade in the hand of the Tsar since their inception. Even during Napoleon's reign of terror across Europe, Cossack cavalry were held in high regard.

General Samsonov believed that no matter how fierce the German assault, the formidable Cossack cavalry could withstand it. While they might suffer significant losses, he deemed it a minor concern. As a Russian Army general, Samsonov was accustomed to the harsh realities of war; as long as the blood shed was not his own, he remained unfazed.

Upon receiving General Samsonov's orders, Generals Andrei and Karski quickly began gathering their forces in preparation for the upcoming attack.

"Brave Cossacks! The inept infantry has been defeated by the Germans and are scattering in retreat. Once again, we shall play the role of saviors. Take up your sabers, mount your steeds, and charge forth! Let your blades sever the heads of the Germans, and let their blood forge the glory of the Cossacks. Warriors, attack and crush the Germans in one fell swoop!" General Andrei shouted passionately.

"Long live the Cossacks! Long live the Tsar!" 

Over ten thousand Cossack cavalrymen rallied, shouting their battle cries as they surged into the fray.

Thousands of warhorses galloped toward the battlefield, their hooves pounding the ground with a thunderous roar that resembled rolling thunder—a sight to behold.

These Cossack cavalrymen, infused with indomitable spirit, charged into battle. In the age of cold steel, they had been the masters of the battlefield. Even in the early twentieth century, they remained a symbol of invincibility. However, their myth would soon shatter, for against the armored forces, cavalry were but fodder!