Chapter 0217: A Desperate Gamble

In the eastern region of Lake Masurian, the German 11th and 20th Armies were diligently constructing defensive positions, leveraging the terrain and fortified by villages and small towns. Meanwhile, the 8th Armored Division was familiarizing itself with its tanks. Tomorrow morning, should the Russian forces refrain from launching an attack, they would begin a systematic advance to the west, further constricting the living space of the Russian Army.

Following the defeat of the Russian 2nd Army Corps at Tannenberg, the soldiers of the German 8th Army Corps had developed a clearer understanding of their combat capabilities, instilling a heightened sense of confidence in them for the forthcoming battle.

"General, a telegram from His Highness the Crown Prince," announced a staff officer, who found General François, currently surveying the front lines, and handed him the message from Qin Tian.

After perusing the telegram, a smile involuntarily crept across General François's face. "Gentlemen, His Highness the Crown Prince is quite invested in our upcoming engagement. Once we have neutralized the Russian 1st Army Corps, we shall be granted a week of respite. However, the Crown Prince also hopes that we can capture all the Russians who have invaded the German Empire and ravaged our homeland."

"Annihilate the Russians! We are surely capable of dispatching all the invading forces. Apart from their numerical superiority, they possess no other advantages," one officer declared.

"Slaughtering them would be too merciful. We could capture them all and utilize them to rebuild our devastated homeland," another added.

The generals began to discuss the fate of the Russians as though they were mere obstacles easily surmountable.

The 20th Army and the 8th Armored Division also received the telegram from Qin Tian, filling them with equal confidence for the impending confrontation.

At this moment, the Russian 1st Army Corps was hastily marching through the night. Surrounded and pursued, they could only flee as swiftly as possible. However, they soon discovered that they could not outrun the Germans, who had effectively cut off their path ahead.

On the night of August 23rd, General von Lehningkamp issued orders for a forced march. He realized that the Germans would cease their pursuit at night, facilitating their retreat.

Yet, this only exacerbated the fatigue of the Russian soldiers. Many were utterly exhausted; had their lives not been at stake, they likely would have collapsed along the road, falling into slumber.

"General, the 4th Infantry Division reports that they have engaged with the Germans," a panicked staff officer relayed to General von Lehningkamp.

"What? They encountered the Germans? How is that possible? How could the Germans possibly have reached our front?" General von Lehningkamp exclaimed, rising in disbelief.

The other Russian commanders were equally alarmed. They had hoped to break free before the German encirclement was complete, but their relentless journey, which included sending many units to cover their retreat, had ultimately proven fruitless.

"General, what should we do now? The Germans have truly blocked our path," a division commander asked in terror.

"God! Are we doomed to follow in the footsteps of the 2nd Army Corps?" 

The Russian commanders descended into chaos. Regardless of their previous pride, they were now mere clowns threatened by the specter of death.

"The Germans are faster than we anticipated! It seems we have gravely underestimated them. This is understandable, given that their transportation infrastructure far surpasses ours, enabling them to mobilize their forces in such a short time," General von Lehningkamp lamented.

"Gentlemen, our situation is undoubtedly perilous. If we are not cautious, we may meet the same fate as the 2nd Army Corps, annihilated by the Germans. Let us not deceive ourselves with the notion that our numbers are superior to theirs. In my view, if the Germans could easily vanquish the 2nd Army Corps, their combat strength far exceeds ours. Thus, we find ourselves in a dire predicament," General von Lehningkamp continued.

"General, what do we do now? Are we to do nothing and await our demise?" one commander questioned.

"Of course, we cannot simply wait for death. Although the odds are stacked against us, we must strive to seize any opportunity for survival. I have decided to halt the retreat and allow the troops to rest for a night. Tomorrow during the day, we will launch a fierce assault on the German positions. If we can breach their lines within a day, we may have a chance to escape. If we fail, then we shall accept our fate!" General von Lehningkamp declared.

The generals fell into a solemn silence, fully aware that this was their only recourse. General von Lehningkamp's choice to take a desperate gamble stemmed from the absence of alternatives. If they did not fight desperately now, they would indeed face utter annihilation.

"General is right; the only path before us leads to confrontation with the Germans. If we wish to live, we must engage them head-on. If we can penetrate their defenses and return, there is hope for our survival," one commander affirmed.

Of course, besides this route, there was another option for survival: surrendering to the Germans. As generals, they could at least ensure their own lives by capitulating. However, in this context, none dared voice such a proposal.

"Then let us confront the Germans! As long as we can escape, there is a chance for a resurgence. Even if we exhaust our forces, it matters not. I believe our homeland has mobilized sufficient reinforcements. Once we return, we shall be immediately resupplied," another general asserted.

This sentiment resonated with the other commanders. Indeed, these Russian leaders regarded the lives of ordinary soldiers as expendable. They viewed them merely as cannon fodder. If the lives of these soldiers could be sacrificed to secure their own, they would do so without hesitation.

Soon, the Russian commanders reached a consensus, resolving to launch an assault at dawn. This time, they would place everything on the line, committing all their main forces in a bid for survival.

"Gentlemen, return to your preparations! May God bless us and the Russian Empire!" General von Lehningkamp prayed.

"God bless us and the Russian Empire!" all the commanders fervently echoed.