- Conrad and Falkenhayn meet at Pless today to discuss next steps in the Balkans with Serbia now defeated, and the Austro-Hungarian chief of staff strongly wants to invade Montenegro and Albania. Falkenhayn, however, views the offensive in the Balkans as having run its course, with the land link to the Ottoman Empire now opened. Though he is willing to entertain the idea of attacking Montenegro - its forces had after all fought alongside the Serbs in the recent campaign - he does view Albania as worth the time or effort.
- There is again desperate fighting west of Görz near Oslavija and the heights of Podgora, and in a heavy assault on the latter the Austro-Hungarian defenders, having run out of grenades, resort to hurling rocks at their attackers. The Italians are repulsed, though the extent to which this can be attributed to the flying stones is unclear.
Showing posts with label Conrad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conrad. Show all posts
Friday, November 27, 2015
Friday, November 06, 2015
November 6th, 1915
- Falkenhayn and Conrad meet at Pless today to discuss the campaign in Serbia. From the perspective of the German chief of Staff, the capture of Kragujevać and Niš, combined with the defeat of the Serbian army, accomplished the overall objective of the offensive of opening a land route to the Ottoman Empire. As such, Falkenhayn wishes to wind down operations in the Balkans, shifting forces from this theatre to the Western Front. Conrad, as usual, has a different opinion: he feels the Entente landing at Salonika needs to be eliminated, and also favours continuing operations to finish off the remnants of the Serbian army and deal with Montenegro.
After a full day of discussion, with the usual acrimony between the two chiefs of staff, it is agreed to continue the campaign for the time being, but that German forces would be withdraw as desired by Falkenhayn. In particular, as the pursuit of the Serbs entered the mountains, the German chief of staff wants to withdraw those German divisions not suited to warfare in such conditions. In practice this means a drawdown of Mackensen's forces to four or five divisions, including the German Alpine Corps, which reaches Kragujevać en route to the front. Further, Serbia was to be occupied by Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria, with the Morava River separating the two zones of occupation. Finally, the fate of Montenegro and Albania is deferred to a later date.
Mackensen, for his part, still hopes to trap the bulk of the Serbian army. To accomplish this he issues orders today for Gallwitz's 11th Army to advance on Kruševac while the Bulgarian 1st Army pushes west from Niš. The key role would be played by the Austro-Hungarian VIII and the German XXII Reserve Corps of the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army, with the former crossing the West Morava River and marching to Brus, and the latter seizing Kraljevo at the confluence of the West Morava and Ibar Rivers. If this succeeds, they will cut the line of retreat of the Serbian army falling back from the northeast.
The next phase of the offensive gets off to a good start when the German 43rd Reserve Division of XXII Reserve Corps assaults Kraljevo today. Crucially, 202nd Reserve Regiment manages to capture the bridge over the West Morava River at the northern edge of Kraljevo before the Serbs can completely destroy it. Using wooden planks, they are able to patch up the bridge, allowing 201st Reserve Regiment to cross and fight into the city itself. When the railway station is captured, the municipal government surrenders the city. Again, because of the disruption of the Serbian rail network, the Germans capture trains loaded with artillery pieces and munitions that had nowhere to go. The seizure of the city also puts the German forces at the northern end of the Ibar River valley, a key retreat route for the Serbian army.
- Cadorna and the senior officers of the Italian army have long seen the civilian soldiers under their command as soft and poorly-equipped psychologically for the rigours of modern warfare. Morale is indeed a problem within the Italian army, though this is primarily due to high casualties, supply shortages, organizational chaos, and obvious command incompetence. Unrest is now beginning to manifest itself in actions - in Aosta a number of alpine troops riot attack a barracks, open two military prisons, and prevent trains from leaving for the front.
After a full day of discussion, with the usual acrimony between the two chiefs of staff, it is agreed to continue the campaign for the time being, but that German forces would be withdraw as desired by Falkenhayn. In particular, as the pursuit of the Serbs entered the mountains, the German chief of staff wants to withdraw those German divisions not suited to warfare in such conditions. In practice this means a drawdown of Mackensen's forces to four or five divisions, including the German Alpine Corps, which reaches Kragujevać en route to the front. Further, Serbia was to be occupied by Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria, with the Morava River separating the two zones of occupation. Finally, the fate of Montenegro and Albania is deferred to a later date.
Mackensen, for his part, still hopes to trap the bulk of the Serbian army. To accomplish this he issues orders today for Gallwitz's 11th Army to advance on Kruševac while the Bulgarian 1st Army pushes west from Niš. The key role would be played by the Austro-Hungarian VIII and the German XXII Reserve Corps of the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army, with the former crossing the West Morava River and marching to Brus, and the latter seizing Kraljevo at the confluence of the West Morava and Ibar Rivers. If this succeeds, they will cut the line of retreat of the Serbian army falling back from the northeast.
The next phase of the offensive gets off to a good start when the German 43rd Reserve Division of XXII Reserve Corps assaults Kraljevo today. Crucially, 202nd Reserve Regiment manages to capture the bridge over the West Morava River at the northern edge of Kraljevo before the Serbs can completely destroy it. Using wooden planks, they are able to patch up the bridge, allowing 201st Reserve Regiment to cross and fight into the city itself. When the railway station is captured, the municipal government surrenders the city. Again, because of the disruption of the Serbian rail network, the Germans capture trains loaded with artillery pieces and munitions that had nowhere to go. The seizure of the city also puts the German forces at the northern end of the Ibar River valley, a key retreat route for the Serbian army.
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| German soldiers marching through the Serbian town of Paracin, November 1915. |
- Cadorna and the senior officers of the Italian army have long seen the civilian soldiers under their command as soft and poorly-equipped psychologically for the rigours of modern warfare. Morale is indeed a problem within the Italian army, though this is primarily due to high casualties, supply shortages, organizational chaos, and obvious command incompetence. Unrest is now beginning to manifest itself in actions - in Aosta a number of alpine troops riot attack a barracks, open two military prisons, and prevent trains from leaving for the front.
Monday, October 19, 2015
October 19th, 1915
- Today Conrad achieves one of the great objectives of the war, one that however has nothing to do with the battlefield; instead it is marriage to his longtime mistress, Gina von Reininghaus. They first met in 1907, when Conrad had become hopelessly smitten with Gina, who was less than half his age. That Gina was already married with six children was but a mere inconvenience to Conrad, and he urged her to divorce her husband even as the two became lovers. Conrad believed that if were victorious in war, his prestige and prominence would sweep aside all obstacles to making Gina his wife. The current war, of course, has seen an unending succession of debacles, exposing his abysmal strategic judgement and the incompetence of the Austro-Hungarian army - the only victories he has achieved have occurred either due to Italian ineptitude (Cadorna is one of the few who legitimately rivals the Austro-Hungarian chief of staff in stubborness and detachment from the realities of war) or through German leadership. What he has been unable to accomplish through battlefield glory has been accomplished through legal trickery: having divorced her husband, she has converted to Protestantism through a sham adoption by a sympathetic general, allowing her to skirt the Catholic Church's restrictions on divorce and remarriage. Today's union legitimizes a relationship that Conrad and Gina had carried on openly and become the subject of mockery in Viennese social circles. Unfortunately for the suffering Austro-Hungarian army, marital bliss does not confer martial ability on Conrad.
- In Serbia, on the western flank of the German XXII Reserve Corps the advance of 26th Division brings it into contact with the Austro-Hungarian 53rd Division of XIX Corps, held short of Obrenovac since its initial crossing of the Save River. The arriving Germans turn the flank of the Serbian defenders, who pull back and allow the trapped Austro-Hungarians to finally break out. To the east, the German 105th Division of IV Reserve Corps breaks through Serbian positions in the hills east of Lucić, suffering heavy casualties to overcome the fierce enemy resistance. Meanwhile, however, the Germans score a coup when 232rd Reserve Regiment of 107th Division captures a Serbian patrol and an engineer detachment with orders to destroy the railway bridge over the Mlava River to the south. Intelligence gleaned from the prisoners allow the Germans to capture the bridge intact, which will aid further advances. To the south, while the Bulgarian 1st Army continues to be held up in the mountain passes east of Niš, to the south the Bulgarian 2nd Army has made much more progress, and today reaches the Vardar River at Veleš and cuts the railway linking Niš and Salonika.
- Both Russia and Italy formally declare war on Bulgaria today.
- The Serbian government has been pressuring General Sarrail to move his forces north from Salonika and concentrate them at Niš, to oppose the Bulgarians attacking from the east. Sarrail knows that such a movement is impossible with the forces at his disposal, but recognizes that a gesture (beyond the deployment at the Strumica rail station) is needed. As a result, he orders an infantry regiment and artillery battery, newly arrived at Salonika and from the French 57th Division, to move north to Krivolak, on the Salonika-Skopje railway thirty kilometres north of the Strumica rail station and south of Veleš.
- The Italian preliminary artillery bombardment along the lower Isonzo River is joined today by Italian aircraft, which this morning strike the Austro-Hungarian airbase at Aisovizza and begin airstrikes on marching columns and railway stations. These raids are largely unopposed, as the Austro-Hungarian aircraft on the Italian Front are primarily designed for reconnaissance, not aerial combat.
- The government of Japan adheres to the Pact of London today, which had originally been signed on September 5th, 1914 by Russia, France, and Britain and by which they had pledged not to sign a separate peace with Germany. Japan's agreement to remain in the war until the end does not, however, signal an expansion of the Japanese contribution to the war effort of the Entente. Instead, the Japanese government hopes that adhering to the pact will secure it a seat at the peace conference at the end of the war and allow Japanese negotiators to secure the permanent transfer of captured German colonies in Asia and the Pacific to Japan.
- In Serbia, on the western flank of the German XXII Reserve Corps the advance of 26th Division brings it into contact with the Austro-Hungarian 53rd Division of XIX Corps, held short of Obrenovac since its initial crossing of the Save River. The arriving Germans turn the flank of the Serbian defenders, who pull back and allow the trapped Austro-Hungarians to finally break out. To the east, the German 105th Division of IV Reserve Corps breaks through Serbian positions in the hills east of Lucić, suffering heavy casualties to overcome the fierce enemy resistance. Meanwhile, however, the Germans score a coup when 232rd Reserve Regiment of 107th Division captures a Serbian patrol and an engineer detachment with orders to destroy the railway bridge over the Mlava River to the south. Intelligence gleaned from the prisoners allow the Germans to capture the bridge intact, which will aid further advances. To the south, while the Bulgarian 1st Army continues to be held up in the mountain passes east of Niš, to the south the Bulgarian 2nd Army has made much more progress, and today reaches the Vardar River at Veleš and cuts the railway linking Niš and Salonika.
- Both Russia and Italy formally declare war on Bulgaria today.
- The Serbian government has been pressuring General Sarrail to move his forces north from Salonika and concentrate them at Niš, to oppose the Bulgarians attacking from the east. Sarrail knows that such a movement is impossible with the forces at his disposal, but recognizes that a gesture (beyond the deployment at the Strumica rail station) is needed. As a result, he orders an infantry regiment and artillery battery, newly arrived at Salonika and from the French 57th Division, to move north to Krivolak, on the Salonika-Skopje railway thirty kilometres north of the Strumica rail station and south of Veleš.
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| The French advance from Salonika, October 1915. |
- The Italian preliminary artillery bombardment along the lower Isonzo River is joined today by Italian aircraft, which this morning strike the Austro-Hungarian airbase at Aisovizza and begin airstrikes on marching columns and railway stations. These raids are largely unopposed, as the Austro-Hungarian aircraft on the Italian Front are primarily designed for reconnaissance, not aerial combat.
- The government of Japan adheres to the Pact of London today, which had originally been signed on September 5th, 1914 by Russia, France, and Britain and by which they had pledged not to sign a separate peace with Germany. Japan's agreement to remain in the war until the end does not, however, signal an expansion of the Japanese contribution to the war effort of the Entente. Instead, the Japanese government hopes that adhering to the pact will secure it a seat at the peace conference at the end of the war and allow Japanese negotiators to secure the permanent transfer of captured German colonies in Asia and the Pacific to Japan.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
September 29th, 1915
- Today reports finally reach the headquarters of the German 6th Army that confirm that the French have not broken through at Givenchy. Moreover, though elements of the French III Corps on Hill 140 repulse several German counterattacks, they also find themselves exposed to intense German artillery fire, and today they are compelled to abandon the summit, taking up position a hundred yards to the west. The immediate crisis having past, Rupprecht concentrates on relieving the German infantry who have been battered by the prior four days of fighting. Overnight, 2nd Guards Division takes over the line between Giesler Hill and Givenchy held by 123rd Saxon Division, while 1st Guards Division is deployed to the heights of Vimy Ridge. Bit by bit, VI Corps, which has borne the burden of the fighting in Artois and suffered over seven thousand casualties, is pulled out of the line and reassembles at Cambrai. Falkenhayn also assigns XI Corps, returning from the Eastern Front, to 6th Army, though after its exertions in Russia it needs rest before being committed to battle again.
On the Entente side, General Foch and Field Marshall French meet to discuss another major push in Artois and Flanders, hoping to take advantage of the ground won near Vimy Ridge yesterday. They agree that the British 1st Army and the French 10th Army will attack together on October 2nd; when Foch appraises Joffre of the plan, the latter agrees to release additional artillery munitions to support the offensive. To meet the timetable, however, the French 10th Army will need to relieve the southern wing of the British 1st Army as agreed upon yesterday. This redeployment, intended to be completed today, is delayed by poor weather and deteriorating roads; General d'Urbal reports that it will not be completed until tomorrow.
- In the Champagne, French forces have rushed to exploit the phantom 'breach' in the German second line supposedly won yesterday by 14th Division. Before dawn VII Corps attacks towards the supposed breakthrough, while VI Corps also advances on its right, but both assaults fail with heavy casualties. Later today three infantry brigades attempt to pass through the breach, only to encounter German defenders and suffer heavy losses. Despite the growing debacle, subsequent messages that reached Castlenau reported that the breach had actually been enlarged. Thinking his armies on the verge of victory, Castlenau informs Joffre that three entire divisions have now passed through the opening.
Only later this afternoon does accurate information actually reach Castlenau's headquarters, which reveal not only that the German second trench line remains unbroken but that the forces that attempted to pass through the 'breach' have suffered horrendous losses and have become thoroughly disorganized. At midnight Castlenau reluctantly orders de Lange of 4th Army to halt the attack, and devote tomorrow to untangling the divisions that had rushed towards the breach and becoming hopelessly entangled. Castlenau also instructs Pétain to cancel an attack by 2nd Army scheduled to be launched tomorrow at 930am.
- By today the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army has reached the Putilowka River, across which the Russian 8th Army has halted its retreat, and efforts to cross to the east bank are easily repulsed. The only success occurs to the north, where the German XXIV Reserve Corps pushes the Russians over the Kormin River and take three thousand prisoners.
Given the utter exhaustion of his armies, combined with the end of OberOst's offensive at Vilna, convince Conrad that further offensive operations would be futile, and orders are issued to 4th and 1st Armies to go over to the defensive. Conrad's fall offensive against the Russians has been yet another dismal failure; initially referred to as the Black-Yellow Offensive, the operation has been known as the Herbstsau among Conrad's staff, which translates literally as 'autumn swinery' but more loosely, and more accurately, as 'fall fuck-up'.
In the course of the month's fighting, the Austro-Hungarian armies on the Eastern Front have lost over 230 000 men, which comprises almost half of their strength at the start of September. Included amongst this number were 100 000 soldiers taken prisoner by the Russians, and the poor quality of the Austro-Hungarian units is further evidenced by Austro-Hungarian officers reporting sick at twice the rate of those wounded, an opposite ratio as that found in the German army. Further, Austria-Hungary simply lacked the means to fully replace casualties - only 120 000 new men had arrived at the front, barely half the number of those lost. The failure of the 'Herbstsau' offensive has also further damaged the reputation of the Austro-Hungarian army amongst its allies - not only did the offensive on the Eastern Front fail, but the four divisions Conrad had to pull away from the Serbian campaign to reinforce the armies battered by the Russian counteroffensive served to enlighten the new Bulgarian ally of where the real power and influence lay within the Central Powers.
- As of this morning the Ottomans have abandoned their defence positions east of Kut-al-Amara, and aerial reconnaissance informs General Townshend of 6th Indian Division that the Ottomans have abandoned Kut-al-Amara and retreated further upriver. There is no vigorous pursuit of the defeated Ottomans, however - 6th Indian Division is exhausted, and low water on the Tigris limits the operations of British gunboats.
On the Entente side, General Foch and Field Marshall French meet to discuss another major push in Artois and Flanders, hoping to take advantage of the ground won near Vimy Ridge yesterday. They agree that the British 1st Army and the French 10th Army will attack together on October 2nd; when Foch appraises Joffre of the plan, the latter agrees to release additional artillery munitions to support the offensive. To meet the timetable, however, the French 10th Army will need to relieve the southern wing of the British 1st Army as agreed upon yesterday. This redeployment, intended to be completed today, is delayed by poor weather and deteriorating roads; General d'Urbal reports that it will not be completed until tomorrow.
- In the Champagne, French forces have rushed to exploit the phantom 'breach' in the German second line supposedly won yesterday by 14th Division. Before dawn VII Corps attacks towards the supposed breakthrough, while VI Corps also advances on its right, but both assaults fail with heavy casualties. Later today three infantry brigades attempt to pass through the breach, only to encounter German defenders and suffer heavy losses. Despite the growing debacle, subsequent messages that reached Castlenau reported that the breach had actually been enlarged. Thinking his armies on the verge of victory, Castlenau informs Joffre that three entire divisions have now passed through the opening.
Only later this afternoon does accurate information actually reach Castlenau's headquarters, which reveal not only that the German second trench line remains unbroken but that the forces that attempted to pass through the 'breach' have suffered horrendous losses and have become thoroughly disorganized. At midnight Castlenau reluctantly orders de Lange of 4th Army to halt the attack, and devote tomorrow to untangling the divisions that had rushed towards the breach and becoming hopelessly entangled. Castlenau also instructs Pétain to cancel an attack by 2nd Army scheduled to be launched tomorrow at 930am.
- By today the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army has reached the Putilowka River, across which the Russian 8th Army has halted its retreat, and efforts to cross to the east bank are easily repulsed. The only success occurs to the north, where the German XXIV Reserve Corps pushes the Russians over the Kormin River and take three thousand prisoners.
Given the utter exhaustion of his armies, combined with the end of OberOst's offensive at Vilna, convince Conrad that further offensive operations would be futile, and orders are issued to 4th and 1st Armies to go over to the defensive. Conrad's fall offensive against the Russians has been yet another dismal failure; initially referred to as the Black-Yellow Offensive, the operation has been known as the Herbstsau among Conrad's staff, which translates literally as 'autumn swinery' but more loosely, and more accurately, as 'fall fuck-up'.
In the course of the month's fighting, the Austro-Hungarian armies on the Eastern Front have lost over 230 000 men, which comprises almost half of their strength at the start of September. Included amongst this number were 100 000 soldiers taken prisoner by the Russians, and the poor quality of the Austro-Hungarian units is further evidenced by Austro-Hungarian officers reporting sick at twice the rate of those wounded, an opposite ratio as that found in the German army. Further, Austria-Hungary simply lacked the means to fully replace casualties - only 120 000 new men had arrived at the front, barely half the number of those lost. The failure of the 'Herbstsau' offensive has also further damaged the reputation of the Austro-Hungarian army amongst its allies - not only did the offensive on the Eastern Front fail, but the four divisions Conrad had to pull away from the Serbian campaign to reinforce the armies battered by the Russian counteroffensive served to enlighten the new Bulgarian ally of where the real power and influence lay within the Central Powers.
- As of this morning the Ottomans have abandoned their defence positions east of Kut-al-Amara, and aerial reconnaissance informs General Townshend of 6th Indian Division that the Ottomans have abandoned Kut-al-Amara and retreated further upriver. There is no vigorous pursuit of the defeated Ottomans, however - 6th Indian Division is exhausted, and low water on the Tigris limits the operations of British gunboats.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
September 17th, 1915
- General Alexeiev of West Front concludes today that even with the formation of 2nd Army east of the Sventsiany gap, Vilna can no longer be held in the face of the threat of the German offensive cutting the line of retreat of the city's defenders. Orders are thus issued for 10th Army to withdraw from the city eastwards.
- At dawn elements of the Russian XXXIX Corps, advancing from the confluence of the Putilowka and Stubiel Rivers, crash into the Austro-Hungarian 62nd Division. Already battered after severals days of combat, and with its southern flank uncovered by the retreat of 24th Division, 62nd Division quickly breaks, and its shattered remnants can only retreat westward as fast as possible. Further north, Russian cavalry break through the Austro-Hungarian cavalry corps under General Berndt at Zurawicze and Karpilowka while the Russian IV Cavalry Corps pushes back the Austro-Hungarian 1st Cavalry Division. By late morning the retreat of the Austro-Hungarian cavalry has uncovered the northern flank of 4th Army, and there are no more reserves immediately available to restore the situation. The commander of 4th Army concludes that there is no alternative to a large-scale retreat to put space between his forces and the Russians and give time for his infantry to rest and recover - 4th Army has suffered 50 000 casualties since the beginning of the offensive towards Rovno a month ago. Conrad reluctantly agrees with this assessment, and orders are issued for 4th Army to retreat all the way to the Sytr River, which also compels the northern wing of 1st Army to fall back on the Ikwa River. After dark the exhausted Austro-Hungarian forces disengage from the Russians and begin their retreat, and the retreat begins after dark.
The collapse of 4th Army also compels Conrad to once again ask Falkenhayn for aid. To the north of 4th Army, the German Army of the Bug has continued its successful advance, capturing Pinsk yesterday. Conrad proposes that a significant portion of the Army of the Bug be diverted to the southeast to fall upon the northern flank of the now-advancing Russian 8th Army. Falkenhayn agrees, but insists that the operation be placed under a German commander. In no place to resist the suggestion, Conrad concurs, and General Linsingen, commander of the Army of the Bug, is made head of an army group that is to consist of the German XXIV Reserve Corps and the German 5th Cavalry Division from the Army of the Bug as well as the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army and the two Austro-Hungarian cavalry corps operating between the two armies.
- In Bulgaria opposition leaders secure an audience with King Ferdinand where they demand the recall of the Bulgarian parliament to debate entry into the war and warn the monarch that the Bulgarian people will not tolerate going to war with Russia. Ferdinand, however, is not to be dissuaded from his chosen course of action, and merely promises to relay their concerns to Prime Minister Vasil Radoslavov.
- At dawn elements of the Russian XXXIX Corps, advancing from the confluence of the Putilowka and Stubiel Rivers, crash into the Austro-Hungarian 62nd Division. Already battered after severals days of combat, and with its southern flank uncovered by the retreat of 24th Division, 62nd Division quickly breaks, and its shattered remnants can only retreat westward as fast as possible. Further north, Russian cavalry break through the Austro-Hungarian cavalry corps under General Berndt at Zurawicze and Karpilowka while the Russian IV Cavalry Corps pushes back the Austro-Hungarian 1st Cavalry Division. By late morning the retreat of the Austro-Hungarian cavalry has uncovered the northern flank of 4th Army, and there are no more reserves immediately available to restore the situation. The commander of 4th Army concludes that there is no alternative to a large-scale retreat to put space between his forces and the Russians and give time for his infantry to rest and recover - 4th Army has suffered 50 000 casualties since the beginning of the offensive towards Rovno a month ago. Conrad reluctantly agrees with this assessment, and orders are issued for 4th Army to retreat all the way to the Sytr River, which also compels the northern wing of 1st Army to fall back on the Ikwa River. After dark the exhausted Austro-Hungarian forces disengage from the Russians and begin their retreat, and the retreat begins after dark.
The collapse of 4th Army also compels Conrad to once again ask Falkenhayn for aid. To the north of 4th Army, the German Army of the Bug has continued its successful advance, capturing Pinsk yesterday. Conrad proposes that a significant portion of the Army of the Bug be diverted to the southeast to fall upon the northern flank of the now-advancing Russian 8th Army. Falkenhayn agrees, but insists that the operation be placed under a German commander. In no place to resist the suggestion, Conrad concurs, and General Linsingen, commander of the Army of the Bug, is made head of an army group that is to consist of the German XXIV Reserve Corps and the German 5th Cavalry Division from the Army of the Bug as well as the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army and the two Austro-Hungarian cavalry corps operating between the two armies.
- In Bulgaria opposition leaders secure an audience with King Ferdinand where they demand the recall of the Bulgarian parliament to debate entry into the war and warn the monarch that the Bulgarian people will not tolerate going to war with Russia. Ferdinand, however, is not to be dissuaded from his chosen course of action, and merely promises to relay their concerns to Prime Minister Vasil Radoslavov.
Monday, September 14, 2015
September 14th, 1915
- In the gap between the northern wing of the Russian 10th Army at Vilna and the southern wing of the Russian 5th Army at Dvinsk, German cavalry have found the space to make use of their mobility. Surging southeast from Sventsiany, they reach the railway running east from Vilna near Smorgon and Vileika. The German advance here seriously threatens the northern wing of the Russian 10th Army, which as of yet is still defending Vilna against frontal attacks by the bulk of the German 10th Army.
- This morning Falkenhayn arrives at Conrad's headquarters for discussions regarding the Eastern Front, where the German chief of staff suggests that the battered Austro-Hungarian armies should fall back to the line of the Zlota Lipa River to rest and recover. This Conrad rejects out of hand as having a devastating impact on the morale of Austro-Hungarian soldiers (not that they haven't already had plenty of defeats to be demoralized over) and potentially sour diplomatic relations with Romania. Instead, he intends to make a stand along the Ikwa and Strypa Rivers, and decides that the Austro-Hungarian XVII Corps, instead of being deployed to the Serbian Front, would instead be sent to eastern Galicia. Conrad further implores Falkenhayn to ensure that the offensive of OberOst against Vilna continue, in the hope that it will divert Russian forces from the southern end of the Eastern Front. Falkenhayn himself has little faith in Ludendorff's offensive, believing its more grandeois objective of massive envelopment of the Russian armies in the north is utterly impossible, but agrees that the Austro-Hungarian armies ought to try to hold on where they - if nothing else, if they are to be defeated, it is better that it not be preceded by a demoralizing retreat.
- At the front, the Russian XI Corps attacks the line held by an Austro-Hungarian corps commanded by General Peter Hofmann on the southern wing of Südarmee, and breaks through the Austro-Hungarian 55th Division at Burkanow to reach the Strypa River. The Russian advance threatens the rear of the rest of Hofmann's corps, which is forced to retreat west across the Strypa. General Felix Bothmer, the German commander of Südarmee, despairs at the quality of his Austro-Hungarian infantry. Not only have they suffered horrendous losses - 75th Honved Brigade is down to a mere four hundred riflemen - but there are growing signs of disaffection; as Bothmer reports to Conrad today, a large number of Czech officers and soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian 19th Division had simply surrendered rather than fight the Russians.
- This morning Falkenhayn arrives at Conrad's headquarters for discussions regarding the Eastern Front, where the German chief of staff suggests that the battered Austro-Hungarian armies should fall back to the line of the Zlota Lipa River to rest and recover. This Conrad rejects out of hand as having a devastating impact on the morale of Austro-Hungarian soldiers (not that they haven't already had plenty of defeats to be demoralized over) and potentially sour diplomatic relations with Romania. Instead, he intends to make a stand along the Ikwa and Strypa Rivers, and decides that the Austro-Hungarian XVII Corps, instead of being deployed to the Serbian Front, would instead be sent to eastern Galicia. Conrad further implores Falkenhayn to ensure that the offensive of OberOst against Vilna continue, in the hope that it will divert Russian forces from the southern end of the Eastern Front. Falkenhayn himself has little faith in Ludendorff's offensive, believing its more grandeois objective of massive envelopment of the Russian armies in the north is utterly impossible, but agrees that the Austro-Hungarian armies ought to try to hold on where they - if nothing else, if they are to be defeated, it is better that it not be preceded by a demoralizing retreat.
- At the front, the Russian XI Corps attacks the line held by an Austro-Hungarian corps commanded by General Peter Hofmann on the southern wing of Südarmee, and breaks through the Austro-Hungarian 55th Division at Burkanow to reach the Strypa River. The Russian advance threatens the rear of the rest of Hofmann's corps, which is forced to retreat west across the Strypa. General Felix Bothmer, the German commander of Südarmee, despairs at the quality of his Austro-Hungarian infantry. Not only have they suffered horrendous losses - 75th Honved Brigade is down to a mere four hundred riflemen - but there are growing signs of disaffection; as Bothmer reports to Conrad today, a large number of Czech officers and soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian 19th Division had simply surrendered rather than fight the Russians.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
September 12th, 1915
- As naval Zeppelins continue their bombing campaign of British targets, Falkenhayn cautions the navy to avoid hitting residential areas in London and other cities, lest the British and French launched reprisal raids on German cities.
- To prepare for the artillery bombardment that is to precede the French fall offensive, gunners in Artois have been firing what are known as ranging shots, firing single rounds and observing where they land, afterwards adjusting their aim to ensure that when the bombardment begins, their shells land precisely on target. Such ranging of the artillery is standard practice before major operations, but the landing of single enemy shells also serves as an unmistakable sign that a major artillery bombardment is imminent. Thus today the German VI and I Bavarian Reserve Corps, which cover the front at Arras and Vimy Ridge, report to 6th Army headquarters that the French have been firing ranging shots on them, signalling an enemy attack is likely imminent. As a response, 6th Army headquarters orders elements of a Saxon brigade in reserve to reinforce the left flank of 5th Bavarian Reserve Division, deemed the weakest point on the army's front.
- Despite Conrad's orders of the 10th for an immediate attack by 4th and 1st Armies, the exhaustion of their infantry prevented the advance occurring until today, when infantry from multiple divisions advances against Russian positions along the Stubiel River and south towards Dubno. The advancing infantry encounter heavy artillery fire, however, and suffer greatly, and by this evening the attacks have clearly failed to gain any significant advantage. Today's defeat dashes the last hopes for Conrad's grand offensive - both Südarmee and 7th Army are in full retreat, which has already forced 2nd Army onto the defensive, and it was clear that only prolonged operations at great cost could accomplish anything of note on the northern end of the line. Moreover, intelligence has reached Conrad that the Russian XXX Corps will arrive within the next couple of days to reinforce 8th Army, rendering the prospects of success even more unlikely. With utmost reluctance, Conrad signals his army commanders to abandon the offensive, with both 4th and 1st Armies sending reinforcements southwards.
Unfortunately for Conrad, the Russians, having gained the upper hand, have every intention of pressing their advantage to the fullest. At the southern end of the line, the Russian XXXIII Corps attacks the scratch Austro-Hungarian corps under General Henriquez. Having lost seven thousand infantry already in September, Henriquez's corps collapses under the weight of the Russian advance, and falls back in disorder to the Dniester River.
Further, after several weeks of falling back before the Austro-Hungarian advance, General Brusilov of 8th Army intends to go over to the counterattack, which will begin tomorrow with a thrust by XXXIX Corps across the Stubiel River at Klewan northwest of Rovno. Meanwhile, XXX Corps, detraining at Rovno today, is to march north behind the front and descend on the north wing of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army. Brusilov's objective is to turn the enemy flank and recover Lutsk.
- To prepare for the artillery bombardment that is to precede the French fall offensive, gunners in Artois have been firing what are known as ranging shots, firing single rounds and observing where they land, afterwards adjusting their aim to ensure that when the bombardment begins, their shells land precisely on target. Such ranging of the artillery is standard practice before major operations, but the landing of single enemy shells also serves as an unmistakable sign that a major artillery bombardment is imminent. Thus today the German VI and I Bavarian Reserve Corps, which cover the front at Arras and Vimy Ridge, report to 6th Army headquarters that the French have been firing ranging shots on them, signalling an enemy attack is likely imminent. As a response, 6th Army headquarters orders elements of a Saxon brigade in reserve to reinforce the left flank of 5th Bavarian Reserve Division, deemed the weakest point on the army's front.
- Despite Conrad's orders of the 10th for an immediate attack by 4th and 1st Armies, the exhaustion of their infantry prevented the advance occurring until today, when infantry from multiple divisions advances against Russian positions along the Stubiel River and south towards Dubno. The advancing infantry encounter heavy artillery fire, however, and suffer greatly, and by this evening the attacks have clearly failed to gain any significant advantage. Today's defeat dashes the last hopes for Conrad's grand offensive - both Südarmee and 7th Army are in full retreat, which has already forced 2nd Army onto the defensive, and it was clear that only prolonged operations at great cost could accomplish anything of note on the northern end of the line. Moreover, intelligence has reached Conrad that the Russian XXX Corps will arrive within the next couple of days to reinforce 8th Army, rendering the prospects of success even more unlikely. With utmost reluctance, Conrad signals his army commanders to abandon the offensive, with both 4th and 1st Armies sending reinforcements southwards.
Unfortunately for Conrad, the Russians, having gained the upper hand, have every intention of pressing their advantage to the fullest. At the southern end of the line, the Russian XXXIII Corps attacks the scratch Austro-Hungarian corps under General Henriquez. Having lost seven thousand infantry already in September, Henriquez's corps collapses under the weight of the Russian advance, and falls back in disorder to the Dniester River.
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| The Russian advance vs. Südarmee and the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army, Sept. 12th to 15th, 1915. |
Further, after several weeks of falling back before the Austro-Hungarian advance, General Brusilov of 8th Army intends to go over to the counterattack, which will begin tomorrow with a thrust by XXXIX Corps across the Stubiel River at Klewan northwest of Rovno. Meanwhile, XXX Corps, detraining at Rovno today, is to march north behind the front and descend on the north wing of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army. Brusilov's objective is to turn the enemy flank and recover Lutsk.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
September 10th, 1915
- On the Eastern Front, the corps of the Austro-Hungarian 4th and 1st Armies are ordered by Conrad to make 'an immediate, decisive attack' on the northern wing of the Russian 8th Army, in yet another attempt to turn the Russian flank and envelop the enemy line. Given the deteriorating situation to the south, a successful assault here is imperative if the offensive is to be successful. Conrad's demands, however, overlook the battered and exhausted state of 4th and 1st Army, both having suffered heavy losses in near-constant combat over the past two weeks. Supplies have been drawn by horse-cart over poor roads from rail-heads that are two hundred kilometres to the west, and even food is running short.
To the south, the situation worsens for the Austro-Hungarian 7th Army. After XIII Corps on its northern wing was forced back yesterday, the Russian 9th Army strikes at a scratch corps commanded by General Johann Henriquez, forcing its 15th Division back to the confluence of the Strypa and Dniester Rivers. The Russians now threaten to drive over the Dniester between XIII Corps and Henriquez's command, with only half a cavalry division covering the growing gap between them.
- As part of the military convention with Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary had pledged to dispatch six divisions from the Eastern Front for operations against Serbia, the same number promised by Germany. The rapidly deteriorating situation of the Austro-Hungarian armies participating in Conrad's ill-fated offensive makes it uncertain whether the Austro-Hungarian chief of staff can afford to pull six divisions out of the fight to transfer to the Balkans. Falkenhayn recognizes the difficulty of his ally, and writes to Conrad today to offer German divisions to take the place of the Austro-Hungarians. He cannot resist, however, commenting on the apparent necessity of the German army once again bailing out their ally after the latter botches yet another operation: 'Certainly such a change in plans won't make up for the political and military damage already inflicted. However, it may avert even more unfavourable results, which to me seems all the more important because of the affect on the morale of the Russian army and on Romania.' Conrad thus decides that VI Corps, which had been about to board trains for the Serbian front, will instead be dispatched to reinforce the faltering 7th Army.
- There is growing unease regarding the performance, or more accurately the lack thereof, of the Italian navy to date in the war. Expecting dramatic victories over the Austro-Hungarian foe, instead the first months have been marked by hesitancy and embarrassment. Today a leading article appears in the newspaper Giornale d'Italia penned by Enrico Arlotta, a Deputy in the Italian parliament. Sharply critical of the navy, it questions the adequacy of pre-war preparations and questions whether those responsible for the navy have all the 'desirable mental agility'. Given not only that the article was allowed to be published by government censors, but that it appeared in a newspaper associated with Prime Minister Salandra and Foreign Minister Sonnino, it suggests that dissatisfaction with the conduct of the war at sea has reached the highest political circles.
To the south, the situation worsens for the Austro-Hungarian 7th Army. After XIII Corps on its northern wing was forced back yesterday, the Russian 9th Army strikes at a scratch corps commanded by General Johann Henriquez, forcing its 15th Division back to the confluence of the Strypa and Dniester Rivers. The Russians now threaten to drive over the Dniester between XIII Corps and Henriquez's command, with only half a cavalry division covering the growing gap between them.
- As part of the military convention with Bulgaria, Austria-Hungary had pledged to dispatch six divisions from the Eastern Front for operations against Serbia, the same number promised by Germany. The rapidly deteriorating situation of the Austro-Hungarian armies participating in Conrad's ill-fated offensive makes it uncertain whether the Austro-Hungarian chief of staff can afford to pull six divisions out of the fight to transfer to the Balkans. Falkenhayn recognizes the difficulty of his ally, and writes to Conrad today to offer German divisions to take the place of the Austro-Hungarians. He cannot resist, however, commenting on the apparent necessity of the German army once again bailing out their ally after the latter botches yet another operation: 'Certainly such a change in plans won't make up for the political and military damage already inflicted. However, it may avert even more unfavourable results, which to me seems all the more important because of the affect on the morale of the Russian army and on Romania.' Conrad thus decides that VI Corps, which had been about to board trains for the Serbian front, will instead be dispatched to reinforce the faltering 7th Army.
- There is growing unease regarding the performance, or more accurately the lack thereof, of the Italian navy to date in the war. Expecting dramatic victories over the Austro-Hungarian foe, instead the first months have been marked by hesitancy and embarrassment. Today a leading article appears in the newspaper Giornale d'Italia penned by Enrico Arlotta, a Deputy in the Italian parliament. Sharply critical of the navy, it questions the adequacy of pre-war preparations and questions whether those responsible for the navy have all the 'desirable mental agility'. Given not only that the article was allowed to be published by government censors, but that it appeared in a newspaper associated with Prime Minister Salandra and Foreign Minister Sonnino, it suggests that dissatisfaction with the conduct of the war at sea has reached the highest political circles.
Sunday, September 06, 2015
September 6th, 1915
- In writing to Generals Rawlinson (of IV Corps) and Gough (of I Corps) today about their roles in the forthcoming offensive in France, Haig does not hold back in explaining why the attack will be undertaken: they had been 'forced . . . to abandon their defensive attitude' by the 'losses incurred by the Russians.' Not exactly a rousing call to arms.
- On the Eastern Front, the northern wing of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army pushes through the Russian position at Podkamien, and forces the southern wing of the Russian 8th Army to fall back to the Ikwa River. As this advance is occurring, the Russians undertake their first major counteroffensive to the south today when elements of the Russian XI Corps advance this afternoon out of bridgeheads they had maintained on the west bank of the Sereth River just west of Trombowla. The advance strikes the inner wings of Südarmee (to the north) and the Austro-Hungarian 7th Army at a moment when the attention of their commanders are on attacks about to be launched elsewhere. On the southern wing of Südarmee, the Russians are able to push into the poorly-constructed defences of the Austro-Hungarian 55th Division, and counterattacks by the corps' reserve are unable to restore the situation. Just to the south the Russians are able to break through between the Austro-Hungarian 131st Brigade and 7th Division at Janow.
- With the approval of his government, Lieutenant-Colonel Ganchev signs the military convention at Pless by which Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria agree to a five-year defensive treaty and the latter pledges to enter the war on the side of the former. For the campaign against Serbia, Germany and Austria-Hungary agree to commit six divisions each to an offensive against Serbia within thirty days, while Bulgaria will join the offensive within thirty-five days with four divisions. In return Bulgaria is promised Macedonia and additional Serbian territory east of the Morava River, and further should either Greece or Romania enter the war on the side of the Entente Bulgaria will be entitled to recover those lands lost in the Second Balkan War. The Germans agree to loan Bulgaria 200 million francs, while the latter agree to permit unimpeded transport of war material through Bulgarian territory to the Ottoman Empire. Finally, on the insistence of the Bulgarian government the convention stipulates that General Mackensen will be in overall command of the invasion of Serbia, a term as pleasing to Falkenhayn as it is upsetting to Conrad. Given the state of the Austro-Hungarian army and its abject failure in 1914 to conquer Serbia despite three separate offensives, it is entirely understandable that the Bulgarians want a German general to command the combined operation. Conrad naturally sees this (quite correctly) as an affront, given Austria-Hungary's view of the Balkans as falling within its sphere of influence, but he is in no position to object. It is also worth noting that on the German side the convention was negotiated and signed entirely by Falkenhayn and his staff - at no point was the civilian government of Germany involved in the decision, reflecting the growing power of the German army to dictate war policy within Germany.
- On the Eastern Front, the northern wing of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army pushes through the Russian position at Podkamien, and forces the southern wing of the Russian 8th Army to fall back to the Ikwa River. As this advance is occurring, the Russians undertake their first major counteroffensive to the south today when elements of the Russian XI Corps advance this afternoon out of bridgeheads they had maintained on the west bank of the Sereth River just west of Trombowla. The advance strikes the inner wings of Südarmee (to the north) and the Austro-Hungarian 7th Army at a moment when the attention of their commanders are on attacks about to be launched elsewhere. On the southern wing of Südarmee, the Russians are able to push into the poorly-constructed defences of the Austro-Hungarian 55th Division, and counterattacks by the corps' reserve are unable to restore the situation. Just to the south the Russians are able to break through between the Austro-Hungarian 131st Brigade and 7th Division at Janow.
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| The Russian counteroffensive along the Sereth River, Sept. 6th to 8th, 1915. |
- With the approval of his government, Lieutenant-Colonel Ganchev signs the military convention at Pless by which Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria agree to a five-year defensive treaty and the latter pledges to enter the war on the side of the former. For the campaign against Serbia, Germany and Austria-Hungary agree to commit six divisions each to an offensive against Serbia within thirty days, while Bulgaria will join the offensive within thirty-five days with four divisions. In return Bulgaria is promised Macedonia and additional Serbian territory east of the Morava River, and further should either Greece or Romania enter the war on the side of the Entente Bulgaria will be entitled to recover those lands lost in the Second Balkan War. The Germans agree to loan Bulgaria 200 million francs, while the latter agree to permit unimpeded transport of war material through Bulgarian territory to the Ottoman Empire. Finally, on the insistence of the Bulgarian government the convention stipulates that General Mackensen will be in overall command of the invasion of Serbia, a term as pleasing to Falkenhayn as it is upsetting to Conrad. Given the state of the Austro-Hungarian army and its abject failure in 1914 to conquer Serbia despite three separate offensives, it is entirely understandable that the Bulgarians want a German general to command the combined operation. Conrad naturally sees this (quite correctly) as an affront, given Austria-Hungary's view of the Balkans as falling within its sphere of influence, but he is in no position to object. It is also worth noting that on the German side the convention was negotiated and signed entirely by Falkenhayn and his staff - at no point was the civilian government of Germany involved in the decision, reflecting the growing power of the German army to dictate war policy within Germany.
Friday, August 14, 2015
August 14th, 1915
- In Poland the army group under Prince Leopold is approaching the line of advance of Mackensen's 11th Army attacking from the south, so the former reorientates 9th Army and Woyrsch's command towards the northeast to fall in line with the northern flank of Mackensen's forces. Though Prince Leopold believes his forces ware facing only Russian rear guards, the latter remain capable of frustrating hopes for a rapid advance: Russian defenders hold the town of Miedzyrzecze against heavy attacks by the Austro-Hungarian 16th and 37th Honved Divisions (the latter on the far left of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army). Similarly, the German 11th Army runs into a prepared Russian defensive line along the Slawatycze-Polubicze road, and is able to make only minor progress.
As the Russian salient in Poland is now almost completely flattened, Conrad's attention turns to future operations, and informs Falkenhayn today that he intends launch an offensive north of Vladimir-Volynsky in the direction of Kowel by forces drawn from 1st and 4th Armies. His intention is to drive a wedge between the Russian North-West and South-West Fronts, and subsequently envelop the Russian 8th Army from the north while 2nd Army and Südarmee attack to the south. The operation aims to clear the Russians from the last portion of Austro-Hungarian Galicia they still hold, and is a typically Conrad-style offensive, with its broad sweeping envelopments. Quite understandably, Falkenhayn is skeptical of the ability of the Austro-Hungarian army to pull off such an ambitious operation 'without the aid of German troops in very difficult terrain.' Still, Falkenhayn does not object to what is a secondary offensive, and notes 'even a partially successful operation would substantially boost the self-confidence and combat potential of our allies.'
- In British Kenya Governor Sir Charles Belfield has been ambivalent about the war, seeing the conflict as undermining the colonial administration - over half of his officials are now in the army - and distracting from civilian priorities. However, the realization that German East Africa will not be easily subjugated has drawn the attention of the War Office, which has compelled the Colonial Office to accept the subordination of civilian administration to the military, and the latter instructs Belfield today that he is to cooperate with the army in eastern Africa.
As the Russian salient in Poland is now almost completely flattened, Conrad's attention turns to future operations, and informs Falkenhayn today that he intends launch an offensive north of Vladimir-Volynsky in the direction of Kowel by forces drawn from 1st and 4th Armies. His intention is to drive a wedge between the Russian North-West and South-West Fronts, and subsequently envelop the Russian 8th Army from the north while 2nd Army and Südarmee attack to the south. The operation aims to clear the Russians from the last portion of Austro-Hungarian Galicia they still hold, and is a typically Conrad-style offensive, with its broad sweeping envelopments. Quite understandably, Falkenhayn is skeptical of the ability of the Austro-Hungarian army to pull off such an ambitious operation 'without the aid of German troops in very difficult terrain.' Still, Falkenhayn does not object to what is a secondary offensive, and notes 'even a partially successful operation would substantially boost the self-confidence and combat potential of our allies.'
- In British Kenya Governor Sir Charles Belfield has been ambivalent about the war, seeing the conflict as undermining the colonial administration - over half of his officials are now in the army - and distracting from civilian priorities. However, the realization that German East Africa will not be easily subjugated has drawn the attention of the War Office, which has compelled the Colonial Office to accept the subordination of civilian administration to the military, and the latter instructs Belfield today that he is to cooperate with the army in eastern Africa.
Tuesday, August 04, 2015
August 4th, 1915
- The next phase of the German offensive in central Poland opens today, undertaken by the southern wing of the German 8th Army and the northern wing of the German 12th Army (the latter the designation for General Gallwitz's force), concentrated east of the Narew River between Ostrolenka and the Bug River. Their objective is the line Lomza-Wyszkow, and the main focus today is an advance along the Ostrolenka-Sniadowo railway, pushing back the Russian 12th Army. To the south Warsaw, abandoned by the retreating Russians is captured. The capital of Russian Poland, its fall is a major blow to the prestige of the Russian Empire, though given the course of the fighting on the Eastern Front since May its loss is hardly a surprise. Further south along the Vistula at Ivangorod, the Russians evacuate the fortifications on the west bank of the river.
Meanwhile, realizing that the Russians are pulling back from the Vistula River, Mackensen orders the Austro-Hungarian 4th and German 11th Armies to drive north towards Kock and Parczew respectively, with their eastern flank covered by the Army of the Bug and the Austro-Hungarian 1st Army. His ultimate objective is the railway connecting Warsaw and Brest-Litovsk, the capture of which would severely disrupt the Russian withdrawal. By nightfall the Austro-Hungarian IX and XVII Corps are approaching Lubartow, and elements of the German 11th Army have penetrated the Russian line running through Rozkopaczow and Gorbatowka north of the Wieprz and Swinka Rivers.
- With the Russian withdrawal in central Poland, Conrad writes to Falkenhayn today to propose that the armies under Mackensen's command shift the direction of their advance from northwards to northeastwards; Conrad remains seduced by the vision of a massive encirclement of the Russian army, an ambition that was the basis of his disastrous operations in the first months of the war. Falkenhayn remains unmoved, confident that such grand maneouvers are simply no longer practical. Mackensen's advance to date has been accomplished by lavish supply and overwhelming concentration of force, not speed. Not only would shifting the strategic objective to a breakthrough disrupt Mackensen's current plans, but its most likely outcome would be for the Russians to simply retreat further and the Germans to outrun their supply lines.
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| Gunners of the German 3rd Battery, 108th Field Artillery Regiment in their position on the Narew River, August 4th, 1915. |
Meanwhile, realizing that the Russians are pulling back from the Vistula River, Mackensen orders the Austro-Hungarian 4th and German 11th Armies to drive north towards Kock and Parczew respectively, with their eastern flank covered by the Army of the Bug and the Austro-Hungarian 1st Army. His ultimate objective is the railway connecting Warsaw and Brest-Litovsk, the capture of which would severely disrupt the Russian withdrawal. By nightfall the Austro-Hungarian IX and XVII Corps are approaching Lubartow, and elements of the German 11th Army have penetrated the Russian line running through Rozkopaczow and Gorbatowka north of the Wieprz and Swinka Rivers.
- With the Russian withdrawal in central Poland, Conrad writes to Falkenhayn today to propose that the armies under Mackensen's command shift the direction of their advance from northwards to northeastwards; Conrad remains seduced by the vision of a massive encirclement of the Russian army, an ambition that was the basis of his disastrous operations in the first months of the war. Falkenhayn remains unmoved, confident that such grand maneouvers are simply no longer practical. Mackensen's advance to date has been accomplished by lavish supply and overwhelming concentration of force, not speed. Not only would shifting the strategic objective to a breakthrough disrupt Mackensen's current plans, but its most likely outcome would be for the Russians to simply retreat further and the Germans to outrun their supply lines.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
July 26th, 1915
- By today the Germans have pushed eight divisions across the Narew River and Gallwitz is preparing to drive on Warsaw. General Alexeiev of North-West Front, however, has concentrated significant forces here to counter precisely such a move, in order to buy time for an orderly retreat from western Poland. Reinforced by several corps, the Russian 1st Army launches a counterattack along a sixty mile stretch of the front, and although they are not able to drive the Germans back across the Narew, the latter find themselves fighting to hold their ground instead of continuing their advance.
- Conrad discusses negotiations with Russia today with Foreign Minister Burián, but the latter is doubtful that a negotiated peace can be achieved with the Russians, even given the latter's serious defeats on the Eastern Front, and suggests that the key stumbling block would be the fate of the Ukraine.
- For the past two days the Italian 3rd Army has concentrated on seizing Monte San Michele, already won and lost once in the current offensive. This morning a massive assault by parts of the 28th, 30th, and 31st Divisions is launched, but the preliminary artillery bombardment has failed to cut the enemy barbed-wire line, which entangles the advancing infantry and a bloodbath ensues. Compounding the Italian difficulties, the brigadier commanding the assault is killed along with many of the staff officers, resulting in confusion among the attackers. The Austro-Hungarian defenders, however, have already suffered significant casualties over the course of the Italian offensive, and the few available reserves have already been committed to the battle. By late morning, sheer numerical superiority begins to tell, and the Italians capture the heights at Monte San Michele at 10am. Their victory, however, is short-lived: Colonel Prince Felix Schwarzenberg rallies remnants of 12th Mountain Brigade and launches a counterattack that retakes the lost ground at noon. The Austro-Hungarian infantry fires on the Italians retreating in the open, causing further casualties. Just under three thousand Italian soldiers are lost today in the back-and-forth over Monte San Michele.
- Conrad discusses negotiations with Russia today with Foreign Minister Burián, but the latter is doubtful that a negotiated peace can be achieved with the Russians, even given the latter's serious defeats on the Eastern Front, and suggests that the key stumbling block would be the fate of the Ukraine.
- For the past two days the Italian 3rd Army has concentrated on seizing Monte San Michele, already won and lost once in the current offensive. This morning a massive assault by parts of the 28th, 30th, and 31st Divisions is launched, but the preliminary artillery bombardment has failed to cut the enemy barbed-wire line, which entangles the advancing infantry and a bloodbath ensues. Compounding the Italian difficulties, the brigadier commanding the assault is killed along with many of the staff officers, resulting in confusion among the attackers. The Austro-Hungarian defenders, however, have already suffered significant casualties over the course of the Italian offensive, and the few available reserves have already been committed to the battle. By late morning, sheer numerical superiority begins to tell, and the Italians capture the heights at Monte San Michele at 10am. Their victory, however, is short-lived: Colonel Prince Felix Schwarzenberg rallies remnants of 12th Mountain Brigade and launches a counterattack that retakes the lost ground at noon. The Austro-Hungarian infantry fires on the Italians retreating in the open, causing further casualties. Just under three thousand Italian soldiers are lost today in the back-and-forth over Monte San Michele.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
July 21st, 1915
- General Castlenau of the French Army Group of the Centre sends to Joffre his outline for the fall offensive in Champagne. He proposes to have 2nd and 4th Armies undertake the main attack, with 5th Army (on the left) and 3rd Army (on the right) in supporting roles. To ensure a 'particularly effective' artillery bombardment, Castlenau states that the operation will require ten days supply of munitions. For the attack itself he envisions two phases: first, to rupture the German front and push the remnants back to a depth of twelve miles, which would provide reserve forces, in the second phase, sufficient room to maneouver to 'inflict a severe defeat on a significant part of the opposing forces on the Franco-Belgian front.'
- In southern Poland the German and Austro-Hungarian offensive continues. West of the Vistula, Landwehr under the command of General Woyrsch punches a two kilometre hole in the Russian line at Zwolen this morning and push northward towards the Russian fortifications at Ivangorod, while 4th Landwehr Cavalry Brigade is sent east towards the bridges across the Vistula at Novo Alexandriya. Further east attacks of the Austro-Hungarian 4th and German 11th Armies achieve only local successes, while the Army of the Bug occupies Hrubieszow on the right flank of the main advance.
- As their forces continue their offensives in Poland, the military leadership of Germany and Austria-Hungary give due consideration to the ultimate purpose of their actions on the Eastern Front. Today Conrad sends a memorandum to Falkenhayn, copied to the the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister, urging that the military victories accomplished since May should be exploited to achieve a separate peace with Russia; in Conrad's phrase, a 'golden bridge' should be constructed that would allow the Russians to accept a reasonable peace. Conrad's motive in forwarding the recommendation is partly revealed by a private letter written to General Artur von Bolfras today in which he writes that after peace with Russia, they 'could successfully deal with Italy.' For the Austro-Hungarian chief of staff, the fight against Russia remains simply a means to an end, a necessary evil that must be finished before he can turn the full strength of the Austro-Hungarian army (such that it is) against the enemy who betrayed (in his eyes) the Dual Monarchy in August 1914.
- At 2am this morning Austro-Hungarian artillery launch a heavy bombardment on the Italian forces on the summit of Monte San Michelle, less than twelve hours after the latter captured the heights, and without time to adequately entrench the Italians suffer significant casualties. Two hours later, fifteen Austro-Hungarian battalions launch a counterattack to retake San Michelle, and after several hours of hand-to-hand fighting the Italians fall back, yielding the only significant gain of the offensive on the Isonzo River launched on the 18th. Even in the mountainous terrain of the Italian Front it is possible to gain ground, but it is even more difficult to hold against immediate counterattacks; it is harder to dig trenches in rock than dirt.
- In southern Poland the German and Austro-Hungarian offensive continues. West of the Vistula, Landwehr under the command of General Woyrsch punches a two kilometre hole in the Russian line at Zwolen this morning and push northward towards the Russian fortifications at Ivangorod, while 4th Landwehr Cavalry Brigade is sent east towards the bridges across the Vistula at Novo Alexandriya. Further east attacks of the Austro-Hungarian 4th and German 11th Armies achieve only local successes, while the Army of the Bug occupies Hrubieszow on the right flank of the main advance.
- As their forces continue their offensives in Poland, the military leadership of Germany and Austria-Hungary give due consideration to the ultimate purpose of their actions on the Eastern Front. Today Conrad sends a memorandum to Falkenhayn, copied to the the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister, urging that the military victories accomplished since May should be exploited to achieve a separate peace with Russia; in Conrad's phrase, a 'golden bridge' should be constructed that would allow the Russians to accept a reasonable peace. Conrad's motive in forwarding the recommendation is partly revealed by a private letter written to General Artur von Bolfras today in which he writes that after peace with Russia, they 'could successfully deal with Italy.' For the Austro-Hungarian chief of staff, the fight against Russia remains simply a means to an end, a necessary evil that must be finished before he can turn the full strength of the Austro-Hungarian army (such that it is) against the enemy who betrayed (in his eyes) the Dual Monarchy in August 1914.
- At 2am this morning Austro-Hungarian artillery launch a heavy bombardment on the Italian forces on the summit of Monte San Michelle, less than twelve hours after the latter captured the heights, and without time to adequately entrench the Italians suffer significant casualties. Two hours later, fifteen Austro-Hungarian battalions launch a counterattack to retake San Michelle, and after several hours of hand-to-hand fighting the Italians fall back, yielding the only significant gain of the offensive on the Isonzo River launched on the 18th. Even in the mountainous terrain of the Italian Front it is possible to gain ground, but it is even more difficult to hold against immediate counterattacks; it is harder to dig trenches in rock than dirt.
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
June 3rd, 1915
- The tiny state of San Marino, falling in line with its far larger Italian neighbour, today declares war on Austria-Hungary.
- Overnight the Russian army has abandoned the fortress at Przemysl, and at 3am the first unit from the Central Powers - a battalion of Prussian Guards - enters the city. Though the Russian had blown the bridges over the San during their retreat, they thoughtfully left behind a considerable cache of bridging equipment, which the Germans use to construct an emergency bridge by 11am. This afternoon General Mackensen enters Przemsyl, and from here writes a letter to Franz Joseph, announcing the return of the famed city and its defences to Austria-Hungary. The moment is bittersweet for the leadership of the Dual Monarchy: though one of its greatest losses of the war has been recovered, it has clearly only occured through the intervention of the German army.
The fall of Przemysl also frees up the Austro-Hungarian X Corps, and orders are issued for its redeployment from its present position west of the fortress to 4th Army to north, where it is to help restore the line near Rudnik.
As Przemysl falls, Falkenhayn and Conrad meet at Pless to discuss the next stage of the campaign in Galicia. With the capture of Przemysl, the original objective of the offensive - to push the Russians east of the San and Dniester Rivers have been largely, though not entirely, achieved: while the German 11th Army is substantially east of the San, on the left the northern wing of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army is still west of the river, while on the right the Austro-Hungarian 7th Army remains on the Pruth River, where it was pushed to in early May. Falkenhayn's opinion is that if the current German commitment on the Eastern Front was reduced, Austria-Hungary could easily find itself in dire straits again. Conversely, Mackensen reports that the Russian corps opposite his 11th Army have suffered heavy losses, and further attacks may achieve additional substantial victories. For his part, while Conrad is still obsessed with punishing Italy for its betrayal, he understands that it would be desirable to drive the Russians further eastwards, and in particular liberate Lemberg.
Thus the two chiefs of staff agree today to continue the offensive in Galicia. Falkenhayn orders the redeployment of XXII Reserve Corps, 22nd, 10th, and 8th Bavarian Reserve Divisions (equally drawn from the Western Front and elsewhere on the Eastern Front) to Galicia provide an injection of fresh infantry, and with these reinforcements Mackensen's 11th Army is to once again undertake the main advance. Squeezed out of the line by the capture of Przemysl, the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army is broken up, some units assigned to the neighbouring 2nd Army, some to 4th Army along the Vistula, and some to the Italian Front. Further, Mackensen will have operational control over 2nd Army on his southern flank in addition to 4th Army to his north. The offensive is to begin on June 13th, allowing for ten days to bring up supplies and munitions and provide rest for the infantry. The only advance scheduled for this period is to be by the adjacent wings of the German 11th and Austro-Hungarian 2nd Armies, pushing eastward from Przemysl to straighten up the line prior to the 13th.
- With the arrival of German submarines off the Dardanelles, and the sinking of the pre-dreadnoughts Majestic and Triumph, the Entente fleet has been trying to counter the threat from beneath the waves, and countermeasures have included anti-torpedo nets and booms, as well as the more judicious deployment of heavy warships for shore bombardment. Nevertheless, as Admiral de Robeck writes today, 'these submarines are the devil & cramping one's style very much.' Indeed.
- Along the Tigris River the main body of 6th Indian Division has advanced to Ezra's Tomb, just less than halfway from Qurna to Amara. On the river itself, meanwhile, the British naval flotilla, with divisional commander General Townshend aboard, has made more substantial progress. Though three larger sloops had to turn back lest they run aground on the shallow waters, the rest of the flotilla has pushed on, with the small tugboat Shaitan sent to reconnoitre ahead. This tiny vessel, crewed by nine and armed with a 12-pounder gun, encounters no enemy fire whatsoever as it makes its way north towards Amara. More than a thousand Ottoman soldiers are present in the town, but after the defeat at Qurna and a demoralizing and disorganized retreat they are in no condition to resist, even if they had wanted to. Thus the Ottoman garrison makes no attempt to halt Shaitan, and when the vessels arrives at Amara the Ottoman response is to surrender in the hundreds. Thus Lieutenant Mark Singleton, captain of Shaitan, and his crew capture Amara entirely on their own, despite being ridiculously outnumbered.
The rest of the flotilla cautiously approaches from the south, assuming at some point they will encounter Shaitan returning from the north with a report on the defences at or near Amara. Its failure to appear, coupled with the absence of signs of gunfire, indicate to the British that the tiny tugboat has gotten all the way to Amara itself. The flotilla continues north until it arrives at the town at 2pm, where Townshend receives the surrender of several impressively-decorated Ottoman officers, and a detachment raises the Union Jack over the Customs Office.
The capture of Amara could hardly have been easier, despite the completely ad hoc nature of the operation. A single unremarkable tugboat received the town's surrender, and the only reinforcements that arrive later today are the other small vessels of the river flotilla. Not only are there no infantry from 6th Indian Division present, Townshend doesn't even know where they are - the best guess is somewhere south - and the maps of the region are so poor that if it wasn't for the Tigris itself the British wouldn't have the slightest idea where they were. This stunning success, however, is very much a blessing in disguise - it helps to convince the British that they don't need things like maps, or logistics, or even a plan to succeed against the Ottomans. All that is needed is one swift kick (as at Qurna on the 31st) and all that remains afterwards is a mere matter of collecting the spoils. It is a dangerous lesson, the consequences of which will culminate at another nondescript (and similarily-named) town further up the Tigris.
- Overnight the Russian army has abandoned the fortress at Przemysl, and at 3am the first unit from the Central Powers - a battalion of Prussian Guards - enters the city. Though the Russian had blown the bridges over the San during their retreat, they thoughtfully left behind a considerable cache of bridging equipment, which the Germans use to construct an emergency bridge by 11am. This afternoon General Mackensen enters Przemsyl, and from here writes a letter to Franz Joseph, announcing the return of the famed city and its defences to Austria-Hungary. The moment is bittersweet for the leadership of the Dual Monarchy: though one of its greatest losses of the war has been recovered, it has clearly only occured through the intervention of the German army.
The fall of Przemysl also frees up the Austro-Hungarian X Corps, and orders are issued for its redeployment from its present position west of the fortress to 4th Army to north, where it is to help restore the line near Rudnik.
As Przemysl falls, Falkenhayn and Conrad meet at Pless to discuss the next stage of the campaign in Galicia. With the capture of Przemysl, the original objective of the offensive - to push the Russians east of the San and Dniester Rivers have been largely, though not entirely, achieved: while the German 11th Army is substantially east of the San, on the left the northern wing of the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army is still west of the river, while on the right the Austro-Hungarian 7th Army remains on the Pruth River, where it was pushed to in early May. Falkenhayn's opinion is that if the current German commitment on the Eastern Front was reduced, Austria-Hungary could easily find itself in dire straits again. Conversely, Mackensen reports that the Russian corps opposite his 11th Army have suffered heavy losses, and further attacks may achieve additional substantial victories. For his part, while Conrad is still obsessed with punishing Italy for its betrayal, he understands that it would be desirable to drive the Russians further eastwards, and in particular liberate Lemberg.
Thus the two chiefs of staff agree today to continue the offensive in Galicia. Falkenhayn orders the redeployment of XXII Reserve Corps, 22nd, 10th, and 8th Bavarian Reserve Divisions (equally drawn from the Western Front and elsewhere on the Eastern Front) to Galicia provide an injection of fresh infantry, and with these reinforcements Mackensen's 11th Army is to once again undertake the main advance. Squeezed out of the line by the capture of Przemysl, the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army is broken up, some units assigned to the neighbouring 2nd Army, some to 4th Army along the Vistula, and some to the Italian Front. Further, Mackensen will have operational control over 2nd Army on his southern flank in addition to 4th Army to his north. The offensive is to begin on June 13th, allowing for ten days to bring up supplies and munitions and provide rest for the infantry. The only advance scheduled for this period is to be by the adjacent wings of the German 11th and Austro-Hungarian 2nd Armies, pushing eastward from Przemysl to straighten up the line prior to the 13th.
- With the arrival of German submarines off the Dardanelles, and the sinking of the pre-dreadnoughts Majestic and Triumph, the Entente fleet has been trying to counter the threat from beneath the waves, and countermeasures have included anti-torpedo nets and booms, as well as the more judicious deployment of heavy warships for shore bombardment. Nevertheless, as Admiral de Robeck writes today, 'these submarines are the devil & cramping one's style very much.' Indeed.
- Along the Tigris River the main body of 6th Indian Division has advanced to Ezra's Tomb, just less than halfway from Qurna to Amara. On the river itself, meanwhile, the British naval flotilla, with divisional commander General Townshend aboard, has made more substantial progress. Though three larger sloops had to turn back lest they run aground on the shallow waters, the rest of the flotilla has pushed on, with the small tugboat Shaitan sent to reconnoitre ahead. This tiny vessel, crewed by nine and armed with a 12-pounder gun, encounters no enemy fire whatsoever as it makes its way north towards Amara. More than a thousand Ottoman soldiers are present in the town, but after the defeat at Qurna and a demoralizing and disorganized retreat they are in no condition to resist, even if they had wanted to. Thus the Ottoman garrison makes no attempt to halt Shaitan, and when the vessels arrives at Amara the Ottoman response is to surrender in the hundreds. Thus Lieutenant Mark Singleton, captain of Shaitan, and his crew capture Amara entirely on their own, despite being ridiculously outnumbered.
The rest of the flotilla cautiously approaches from the south, assuming at some point they will encounter Shaitan returning from the north with a report on the defences at or near Amara. Its failure to appear, coupled with the absence of signs of gunfire, indicate to the British that the tiny tugboat has gotten all the way to Amara itself. The flotilla continues north until it arrives at the town at 2pm, where Townshend receives the surrender of several impressively-decorated Ottoman officers, and a detachment raises the Union Jack over the Customs Office.
The capture of Amara could hardly have been easier, despite the completely ad hoc nature of the operation. A single unremarkable tugboat received the town's surrender, and the only reinforcements that arrive later today are the other small vessels of the river flotilla. Not only are there no infantry from 6th Indian Division present, Townshend doesn't even know where they are - the best guess is somewhere south - and the maps of the region are so poor that if it wasn't for the Tigris itself the British wouldn't have the slightest idea where they were. This stunning success, however, is very much a blessing in disguise - it helps to convince the British that they don't need things like maps, or logistics, or even a plan to succeed against the Ottomans. All that is needed is one swift kick (as at Qurna on the 31st) and all that remains afterwards is a mere matter of collecting the spoils. It is a dangerous lesson, the consequences of which will culminate at another nondescript (and similarily-named) town further up the Tigris.
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| The British advance to and capture of Amara, June 3rd, 1915. |
Sunday, May 24, 2015
May 24th, 1915
- The ongoing German offensive in Galicia, and the continued inability of the Russian army to substantially halt the enemy advance, have led to increasingly strident requests from the Russian government to France, begging the latter to intensify their efforts on the Western Front to force the Germans to redeploy divisions from the east. In response Joffre sends a message to Grand Duke Nicholas, stating that no significant German forces have moved from the west to the east in recent weeks. That is the most Joffre can offer; the ongoing Artois offensive is the most the French can go, and the Russian pressure makes the continuation of efforts there of even greater importance.
- While the German 11th Army was securing its bridgehead across the San River, the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army confronted the former Austro-Hungarian fortress of Przemysl, now a key defensive point in the Russian line. However, 3rd Army has been unable to make any substantial process against the Russian-held fortifications, nor has the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army to the east been able to break through to the north to outflank Przemysl from the south. Thus for the offensive in Galicia to continue, the Germans will once again have to do the heavy work of breaking the Russian defence.
General Mackensen's plan is for VI, XXXXI Reserve, and Guard Corps to cross the Rada River (a tributary of the San) and capture Radymno before moving further east and southeast, cutting behind Przemysl. X Corps, meanwhile, will guard the northern flank of the advance along the Lubaczowka River from Russian counterattacks. After spending several days to bring up supplies and munitions, German artillery began a preliminary bombardment of the Russian line north of Przemysl, and at 8am today the infantry advance begins.
The first attack is against a bulge in the German line held by the Russian XXI Corps west of the San. Under heavy pressure from VI Corps to the north and XXXXI Reserve Corps to the south, the Russians break and fall back in disorder. Hundreds die attempting to retreat back across the San, while thousands surrender, and by noon XXXXI Corps captures Radymno. To the north, 1st Guard Division breaks through the Russian line north of Wietlin and reaches Bobrowka.
The new commander of the Russian 3rd Army issues orders to III Caucasian, XXIV, and XXIX Corps to attack southwards into the flank of the advancing German 11th Army. Before the orders can be executed, however, XXIX Corps is itself outflanked by the advancing German Guard Corps, and is forced to fall back northwards across the Lubaczowka. Overall the renewal of the German assault has seen the Russian 3rd Army battered yet again, as the Germans take 21 000 prisoners today.
- At midnight hostilities commence between Italy and Austria-Hungary, in line with the former's declaration of war yesterday. This represents the failure of months of diplomatic efforts by both Germany and Austria-Hungary to keep their erstwhile ally neutral. As their ambassadors depart Italy, Bernhard von Bülow observes to his Austro-Hungarian colleague today: 'We were just not meant to succeed. But we can say to ourselves, as Bismark said to Prince Alexander of Battenberg when he was a candidate for the Bulgarian throne: "At least we shall have interesting memories."'
Meanwhile, on the first day of fighting on the Italian Front, General Luigi Cadorna, chief of staff of the Italian army, begins to implement his plan for the invasion of Austria-Hungary. His primary advance is to be undertaken by 2nd and 3rd Armies, moving east along the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Their first objective is to secure the Isonzo River and vital mountains of the Julian Alps, before a further advance towards Trieste and beyond. Along the northern portion of the Italian Front, the 1st and 4th Armies are aligned against Trentino and the Tyrol, and are to secure important high ground in order to better hold the line. However, the lack of information from the government regarding when the war was to begin has impaired Cadorna's preparations, and the Italian army is hardly a model of effective organization to begin with. By today less than half of the supplies necessary have actually reached the front. Thus the first day of the war for Italy sees only halting movement towards the enemy frontier.
As for the Austro-Hungarians, Conrad, along with the Emperor and much of the government, are incensed at the supposed betrayal of their former ally. Conrad for weeks has desired to launch a major offensive against Italy upon its entry into the war, largely as a punishment expedition that would shatter Italian morale; indeed, Conrad has argued for the suspension of operations in Galicia to ensure the transfer of sufficient forces to the Italian Front. To Falkenhayn this is sheer madness, as nothing that can be effectively accomplished against Italy could compensate for the lost opportunity for a great victory over the Russians. The German chief of staff has thus refused not only to send German divisions to the Italian Front, but also to replace Austro-Hungarian divisions on the Eastern Front sent to the Alps. As a result of Falkenhayn's refusal, Conrad has begrudgingly abandoned plans to attack Italy. Instead, those forces assembling on the Italian frontier, mainly augmented by divisions drawn from the Serbian Front, are ordered to adopt defensive positions, especially along the Isonzo River, a decision of monumental importance in the years to come.
At sea, while the Italian navy shows as much initiative and foresight as the army does, the Austro-Hungarians are eager to get in the first strike. At 8pm yesterday evening the fleet sailed from its anchorage at Pola, and at dawn bombardment Ancona and other points along the northern Italian coast, targeting port facilities, railway bridges, and other strategic objectives. The Italian fleet is caught napping, and regardless its main fleet is far to the south. The only naval combat sees the old Italian destroyer Turbine sunk by the light cruiser Helgoland and two destroyers off Pelagosa. Simultaneously, several Austro-Hungarian aircraft arrive in the skies above Venice and drop a number of bombs. By noon the Austro-Hungarian fleet is back in port, having struck the first blow at sea without loss.
- Word of the massacres of Armenians in eastern Anatolia has reached the outside world, and further details have come to light since the Russian occupation of Van on the 20th. Confronting growing evidence of a systemic campaign of annihilation, the governments of the Entente powers issue a public statement today, stating that the leadership of the Ottoman Empire will be held to account after the war for their role in the mass murder of Armenians.
- While the German 11th Army was securing its bridgehead across the San River, the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army confronted the former Austro-Hungarian fortress of Przemysl, now a key defensive point in the Russian line. However, 3rd Army has been unable to make any substantial process against the Russian-held fortifications, nor has the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army to the east been able to break through to the north to outflank Przemysl from the south. Thus for the offensive in Galicia to continue, the Germans will once again have to do the heavy work of breaking the Russian defence.
General Mackensen's plan is for VI, XXXXI Reserve, and Guard Corps to cross the Rada River (a tributary of the San) and capture Radymno before moving further east and southeast, cutting behind Przemysl. X Corps, meanwhile, will guard the northern flank of the advance along the Lubaczowka River from Russian counterattacks. After spending several days to bring up supplies and munitions, German artillery began a preliminary bombardment of the Russian line north of Przemysl, and at 8am today the infantry advance begins.
The first attack is against a bulge in the German line held by the Russian XXI Corps west of the San. Under heavy pressure from VI Corps to the north and XXXXI Reserve Corps to the south, the Russians break and fall back in disorder. Hundreds die attempting to retreat back across the San, while thousands surrender, and by noon XXXXI Corps captures Radymno. To the north, 1st Guard Division breaks through the Russian line north of Wietlin and reaches Bobrowka.
The new commander of the Russian 3rd Army issues orders to III Caucasian, XXIV, and XXIX Corps to attack southwards into the flank of the advancing German 11th Army. Before the orders can be executed, however, XXIX Corps is itself outflanked by the advancing German Guard Corps, and is forced to fall back northwards across the Lubaczowka. Overall the renewal of the German assault has seen the Russian 3rd Army battered yet again, as the Germans take 21 000 prisoners today.
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| The advance of the German 11th Army north of Przemysl, May 24th to 28th, 1915. |
- At midnight hostilities commence between Italy and Austria-Hungary, in line with the former's declaration of war yesterday. This represents the failure of months of diplomatic efforts by both Germany and Austria-Hungary to keep their erstwhile ally neutral. As their ambassadors depart Italy, Bernhard von Bülow observes to his Austro-Hungarian colleague today: 'We were just not meant to succeed. But we can say to ourselves, as Bismark said to Prince Alexander of Battenberg when he was a candidate for the Bulgarian throne: "At least we shall have interesting memories."'
Meanwhile, on the first day of fighting on the Italian Front, General Luigi Cadorna, chief of staff of the Italian army, begins to implement his plan for the invasion of Austria-Hungary. His primary advance is to be undertaken by 2nd and 3rd Armies, moving east along the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Their first objective is to secure the Isonzo River and vital mountains of the Julian Alps, before a further advance towards Trieste and beyond. Along the northern portion of the Italian Front, the 1st and 4th Armies are aligned against Trentino and the Tyrol, and are to secure important high ground in order to better hold the line. However, the lack of information from the government regarding when the war was to begin has impaired Cadorna's preparations, and the Italian army is hardly a model of effective organization to begin with. By today less than half of the supplies necessary have actually reached the front. Thus the first day of the war for Italy sees only halting movement towards the enemy frontier.
As for the Austro-Hungarians, Conrad, along with the Emperor and much of the government, are incensed at the supposed betrayal of their former ally. Conrad for weeks has desired to launch a major offensive against Italy upon its entry into the war, largely as a punishment expedition that would shatter Italian morale; indeed, Conrad has argued for the suspension of operations in Galicia to ensure the transfer of sufficient forces to the Italian Front. To Falkenhayn this is sheer madness, as nothing that can be effectively accomplished against Italy could compensate for the lost opportunity for a great victory over the Russians. The German chief of staff has thus refused not only to send German divisions to the Italian Front, but also to replace Austro-Hungarian divisions on the Eastern Front sent to the Alps. As a result of Falkenhayn's refusal, Conrad has begrudgingly abandoned plans to attack Italy. Instead, those forces assembling on the Italian frontier, mainly augmented by divisions drawn from the Serbian Front, are ordered to adopt defensive positions, especially along the Isonzo River, a decision of monumental importance in the years to come.
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| The Italian Front, May 24th, 1915. |
At sea, while the Italian navy shows as much initiative and foresight as the army does, the Austro-Hungarians are eager to get in the first strike. At 8pm yesterday evening the fleet sailed from its anchorage at Pola, and at dawn bombardment Ancona and other points along the northern Italian coast, targeting port facilities, railway bridges, and other strategic objectives. The Italian fleet is caught napping, and regardless its main fleet is far to the south. The only naval combat sees the old Italian destroyer Turbine sunk by the light cruiser Helgoland and two destroyers off Pelagosa. Simultaneously, several Austro-Hungarian aircraft arrive in the skies above Venice and drop a number of bombs. By noon the Austro-Hungarian fleet is back in port, having struck the first blow at sea without loss.
- Word of the massacres of Armenians in eastern Anatolia has reached the outside world, and further details have come to light since the Russian occupation of Van on the 20th. Confronting growing evidence of a systemic campaign of annihilation, the governments of the Entente powers issue a public statement today, stating that the leadership of the Ottoman Empire will be held to account after the war for their role in the mass murder of Armenians.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
April 14th, 1915
- Overnight a German deserter makes his way across No Man's Land near Langemarck on the northeastern face of the Ypres salient. He informs the French infantry who capture him that the Germans intend to use asphyxiating gases in an imminent attack, and shows the French a crude gas mask. Sufficiently alarmed, the commander of the French division participates personally in the interrogation of the German deserter, and passes the information to his corps commander and a liaison officer from Joffre's headquarters.
- While Joffre agrees with General Dubail's request to continue the offensive against the St.-Mihiel salient, the French Commander-in-Chief today orders the removal of two infantry corps from the Provisional Group of the East, which has the practical consequence of ending large-scale French attacks. This effectively brings to a close the main fighting of the Battle of the Woevre.
- For the past month, the German 11th Army has been planning for a major offensive operation on the Western Front. However, given yesterday's decision to shift the next major offensive from the west to the east, today Falkenhayn orders 11th Army and its eight divisions to the east, where it will spearhead the forthcoming operation at the beginning of May. As its commander Falkenhayn assigns General August von Mackensen, whose talents have been on display on the Eastern Front since the outbreak of the war.
- This evening, after a summons from Falkenhayn, Conrad arrives in Berlin to discuss the situation on the Eastern Front. Only now, two weeks after examination began, does Falkenhayn inform Conrad that the Germans will be undertaking a major offensive operation in the Gorlice-Tarnow region of western Galicia. Naturally Conrad is pleased, but there remains the thorny issue of the command structure. As the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army will be co-operating with the German 11th Army in the operation, Falkenhayn insists that the former take orders from Mackensen. In exchange, Mackensen himself will be under the direction of Conrad, though with the caveat that important decisions are to be taken in consultation with Falkenhayn.
- By dawn today the British defenders at Shaiba realize that the larger portion of the Ottoman force has begun to withdraw. Unwilling to allow the enemy to retreat unmolested, at 930am most of the British force at Shaiba sorties in pursuit. The Ottoman outposts are easily overrun, but by 1030 the British reach Barjisiyeh woods to find the Ottoman entrenched. There follows several hours of bitter fighting, as repeated assaults on the enemy positions fail. Only by late afternoon, as both water and ammunition run low, do the Dorsets carry the first line of the Ottoman trenches. Exhausted, the British abandon their pursuit, and by sundown have returned to their initial lines at Shaiba.
- While Joffre agrees with General Dubail's request to continue the offensive against the St.-Mihiel salient, the French Commander-in-Chief today orders the removal of two infantry corps from the Provisional Group of the East, which has the practical consequence of ending large-scale French attacks. This effectively brings to a close the main fighting of the Battle of the Woevre.
- For the past month, the German 11th Army has been planning for a major offensive operation on the Western Front. However, given yesterday's decision to shift the next major offensive from the west to the east, today Falkenhayn orders 11th Army and its eight divisions to the east, where it will spearhead the forthcoming operation at the beginning of May. As its commander Falkenhayn assigns General August von Mackensen, whose talents have been on display on the Eastern Front since the outbreak of the war.
- This evening, after a summons from Falkenhayn, Conrad arrives in Berlin to discuss the situation on the Eastern Front. Only now, two weeks after examination began, does Falkenhayn inform Conrad that the Germans will be undertaking a major offensive operation in the Gorlice-Tarnow region of western Galicia. Naturally Conrad is pleased, but there remains the thorny issue of the command structure. As the Austro-Hungarian 4th Army will be co-operating with the German 11th Army in the operation, Falkenhayn insists that the former take orders from Mackensen. In exchange, Mackensen himself will be under the direction of Conrad, though with the caveat that important decisions are to be taken in consultation with Falkenhayn.
- By dawn today the British defenders at Shaiba realize that the larger portion of the Ottoman force has begun to withdraw. Unwilling to allow the enemy to retreat unmolested, at 930am most of the British force at Shaiba sorties in pursuit. The Ottoman outposts are easily overrun, but by 1030 the British reach Barjisiyeh woods to find the Ottoman entrenched. There follows several hours of bitter fighting, as repeated assaults on the enemy positions fail. Only by late afternoon, as both water and ammunition run low, do the Dorsets carry the first line of the Ottoman trenches. Exhausted, the British abandon their pursuit, and by sundown have returned to their initial lines at Shaiba.
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
April 7th, 1915
- Unaware that Falkenhayn is contemplating a major German operation in the Gorlice-Tarnow region, Conrad today writes the German chief of staff with a new proposal for the Eastern Front. He calls for the deployment of significant additional German forces in both East Prussia and East Galicia, from which they will launch simultaneous pincer offensives into Russian Poland, aiming to force a wholesale Russian withdrawal east of the Vistula-San-Dniester line. It is a proposal whose audaciousness is matched only by its insanity. The Winter Battle of the Masurian Lakes, undertaken by two entire German armies, had shown that an advance on the scale envisioned by Conrad was simply not possible; it would always be vulnerable to counterattacks on its eastern flank. Once again Conrad is seeking to impose his ambition on the battlefield without regard to such mere details as reality. Needless to say, Falkenhayn gives Conrad's suggestion the attention it deserves.
- Two days earlier, as the German 25th and 35th Reserve Divisions were successfully counterattacking between Lupkow and the Laborcza valley, 4th Division, the last of Beskid Corps' units to arrive, had entered the line west of the Laborcza valley. Attacking together, the three German divisions have continued to advance northwards, retaking ground lost by the Austro-Hungarian during the fighting of the prior weeks. The German success places the wider Austro-Hungarian line in the Carpathians on a more secure footing.
On the Russian side, news of the advance of Beskid Corps has yet to filter back to General Ivanov, commander of South-West Front. Instead his outlook on the fighting in the Carpathians is buoyed by the news from Grand Duke Nicholas that III Caucasian Corps is to be transferred to his command, and is en route to Lemberg.
- Since the failure of the Entente naval assault on the Dardanelles on March 18th, the Ottomans and Germans have worked to repair the fortifications and augment the minefields, while the completion of repairs to the battlecruiser Goeben adds another element to the defense of the straits. The situation has sufficiently improved for Admiral Souchon to write today that the only way the Entente could conquer the straits was by landing an army of 200 000 men, which he thought clearly out of the question.
As Souchon muses on the size of the force needed to capture the Straits, the British and French are assembling precisely such an army. The process of doing so, however, has been complicated by transportation problems. The ships carrying the British 29th Division from England were loaded haphazardly, which would have made it impossible to unload the force in a combat situation (i.e. the combat equipment of one battalion would be on a different ship from the battalion's soldiers, etc.). Thus the division had to be initially diverted to Alexandria to be unloaded and reloaded, a process that has taken several weeks. Today, the first transports carrying 29th Division depart the Egyptian port, bound for Mudros on Lemnos where the Entente expedition is gathering.
- Two days earlier, as the German 25th and 35th Reserve Divisions were successfully counterattacking between Lupkow and the Laborcza valley, 4th Division, the last of Beskid Corps' units to arrive, had entered the line west of the Laborcza valley. Attacking together, the three German divisions have continued to advance northwards, retaking ground lost by the Austro-Hungarian during the fighting of the prior weeks. The German success places the wider Austro-Hungarian line in the Carpathians on a more secure footing.
On the Russian side, news of the advance of Beskid Corps has yet to filter back to General Ivanov, commander of South-West Front. Instead his outlook on the fighting in the Carpathians is buoyed by the news from Grand Duke Nicholas that III Caucasian Corps is to be transferred to his command, and is en route to Lemberg.
- Since the failure of the Entente naval assault on the Dardanelles on March 18th, the Ottomans and Germans have worked to repair the fortifications and augment the minefields, while the completion of repairs to the battlecruiser Goeben adds another element to the defense of the straits. The situation has sufficiently improved for Admiral Souchon to write today that the only way the Entente could conquer the straits was by landing an army of 200 000 men, which he thought clearly out of the question.
As Souchon muses on the size of the force needed to capture the Straits, the British and French are assembling precisely such an army. The process of doing so, however, has been complicated by transportation problems. The ships carrying the British 29th Division from England were loaded haphazardly, which would have made it impossible to unload the force in a combat situation (i.e. the combat equipment of one battalion would be on a different ship from the battalion's soldiers, etc.). Thus the division had to be initially diverted to Alexandria to be unloaded and reloaded, a process that has taken several weeks. Today, the first transports carrying 29th Division depart the Egyptian port, bound for Mudros on Lemnos where the Entente expedition is gathering.
Sunday, April 05, 2015
April 5th, 1915
- Today the French VIII and XXXI Corps advance against the southern face of the St.-Mihiel salient, advancing on the left flank of XII Corps. With this attack, covering almost the whole line from St.-Mihiel east to the Moselle River, the French hope to draw German reserves southwards as the main offensive is launched simultaneously against the western face of the salient. Here the French attacks are directed against the northern end of the salient, aiming to drive through the German lines towards the Woëvre plain, compelling the evacuation of the German positions to the south. A key objective is the hill of Les Éparges, from which the Germans can overlook the main French to the north towards the Woëvre plain.
The morning sees heavy rain and poor visibility, which postpones the attack until conditions improve in the afternoon. After a preliminary artillery bombardment commencing at 11am, the infantry advance starting at 215pm. Everywhere the attack is a shambles, primarily due to inadequate artillery support. With insufficient time to plan the bombardment, many German positions have not been struck, while the rolling terrain has hindered artillery observers. Further, the soil, saturated from days of rain, absorbed numerous shells before they could detonate. Nowhere have the French secured any ground of significance.
- Conrad writes to Falkenhayn today, reemphasizing yet again the difficult situation faced by the Austro-Hungarian army in the Carpathians. Further, Conrad argues, another reverse there would only encourage both Italy and Romania to enter the war, and that should this occur, Austria-Hungary would need to withdraw ten divisions from the Carpathians to meet this three (seven against Italy and three against Romania). He seeks assurances from Falkenhayn that these divisions will be replaced by German units should their withdrawal be necessary.
- Unbeknownst to Conrad, Falkenhayn is considering his own arrangements: General Cramon, the German military attache at Austro-Hungarian army headquarters, inquires of Colonial Johann Straub, head of the Austro-Hungarian Railroad Office, of the rail situation in the Gorlice-Tarnow region. Straub informs Cramon that it would be possible to send one hundred trains into the area, each of one hundred and eight cars, of which forty would haul supplies and sixty available to carry soldiers. This suggests a German force of four corps could be deployed there in about eight days.
- Meanwhile, in the Carpathians themselves, Austro-Hungarian fortunes are beginning to turn thanks to the arrive of German reinforcements. By this morning 25th and 35th Reserve Divisions of the German Beskid Corps are now in the line between Lupkow and the Laborczra valley, and launch a counterattack on the Russian lines, aided by the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Division. By late afternoon, they have advanced and seized the heights of Javirska and Kobila.
- Admiral Fisher once again writes to Churchill of his unease with the ongoing Dardanelles operation, which has only been heightened by the losses of March 18th: 'You are just simply eaten up with the Dardanelles and cannot think of anything else. Damn the Dardanelles! They will be our grave!' The fuse continues to burn . . .
- As British regular forces scattered throughout the Empire are called home in the first months of the war for service in France, the necessity arises for replacements for essential defense tasks. In some circumstances, the Colonial Office turns to the dominions for aid. Today, the first half of No. 6 Company, Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery, arrives at St. Lucia in the British Windward islands to man the half dozen artillery pieces defending the island.
The morning sees heavy rain and poor visibility, which postpones the attack until conditions improve in the afternoon. After a preliminary artillery bombardment commencing at 11am, the infantry advance starting at 215pm. Everywhere the attack is a shambles, primarily due to inadequate artillery support. With insufficient time to plan the bombardment, many German positions have not been struck, while the rolling terrain has hindered artillery observers. Further, the soil, saturated from days of rain, absorbed numerous shells before they could detonate. Nowhere have the French secured any ground of significance.
- Conrad writes to Falkenhayn today, reemphasizing yet again the difficult situation faced by the Austro-Hungarian army in the Carpathians. Further, Conrad argues, another reverse there would only encourage both Italy and Romania to enter the war, and that should this occur, Austria-Hungary would need to withdraw ten divisions from the Carpathians to meet this three (seven against Italy and three against Romania). He seeks assurances from Falkenhayn that these divisions will be replaced by German units should their withdrawal be necessary.
- Unbeknownst to Conrad, Falkenhayn is considering his own arrangements: General Cramon, the German military attache at Austro-Hungarian army headquarters, inquires of Colonial Johann Straub, head of the Austro-Hungarian Railroad Office, of the rail situation in the Gorlice-Tarnow region. Straub informs Cramon that it would be possible to send one hundred trains into the area, each of one hundred and eight cars, of which forty would haul supplies and sixty available to carry soldiers. This suggests a German force of four corps could be deployed there in about eight days.
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| The attack of the German Beskid Corps, Apr. 2nd to 5th, 1915. |
- Admiral Fisher once again writes to Churchill of his unease with the ongoing Dardanelles operation, which has only been heightened by the losses of March 18th: 'You are just simply eaten up with the Dardanelles and cannot think of anything else. Damn the Dardanelles! They will be our grave!' The fuse continues to burn . . .
- As British regular forces scattered throughout the Empire are called home in the first months of the war for service in France, the necessity arises for replacements for essential defense tasks. In some circumstances, the Colonial Office turns to the dominions for aid. Today, the first half of No. 6 Company, Royal Canadian Garrison Artillery, arrives at St. Lucia in the British Windward islands to man the half dozen artillery pieces defending the island.
Saturday, April 04, 2015
April 4th, 1915
- West of Verdun the French 3rd Army launches a diversionary attack against Vauquois in support of the French offensive against the St.-Mihiel salient.
- Concerned with the possibility that an Italian attack on Austria-Hungary might induce the latter to seek a separate peace with Russia, Falkenhayn has invited Conrad to Berlin for discussions today. On the issue of a separate peace, Falkenhayn is reassured that Austria-Hungary would not approach the Russians without first communicating with the Germans and asking for their participation. The two chiefs of staff also discuss the situation in the Carpathians and, despite the repeated requests of Conrad, Falkenhayn is unwilling to commit to the deployment of additional German forces to reinforce that front. The most Falkenhayn is willing to say to Conrad is that the question remains open as to whether the newly-raised Germans divisions can be most profitably employed in the West, the East, or against Serbia.
Nevertheless, the deteriorating military position of Austria-Hungary, combined with the possibility of Italy and Romania joining the ranks of Germany's enemies, has Falkenhayn contemplating whether a more substantial German commitment to the Eastern Front is necessary to prop up their faltering ally. The German Chief of Staff still views a campaign in the Carpathians as foolhardy, and has no intention of sending German divisions to that front as Conrad desires. Falkenhayn is, however, more open to the possibility of a German offensive elsewhere on the Eastern Front. Today he asks General August von Cramon, the German military attache at Conrad's headquarters, to make inquiries regarding the condition of the railways between the Vistula River and the Carpathians, especially near the town of Gorlice. Falkenhayn emphasizes the importance of discretion, not to keep the Russians from learning about his inquiry, but rather the Austro-Hungarians: if German forces need to be shifted east for a major offensive, he intends this to be German-led operation, and does not want Conrad either interfering or demanding redeployments to the Carpathians. Such is the nature of coalition politics between Germany and Austria-Hungary.
- In the central Carpathians the retreat of the centre and right of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army is completed today. Despite heavy pressure from the Russians, the Austro-Hungarians are able to establish themselves in their new defensive positions without significant mishaps.
At the far eastern end of the mountain range, the Russian 9th Army has been attacking the Austro-Hungarian force under General Pflanzer-Baltin for several weeks, attempting to cross the Dniester River. The Russian objective is the city of Czernowitz, the capture of which may induce the Romanians to adopt a more positive line towards the Entente. Though the Austro-Hungarian defenders have been outnumbered, they have been able to prevent a Russian breakthrough. Today a Russian attack forces back the right wing of XI Corps, but the timely intervention of 93rd Division not only halts the enemy advance but succeeds in recovering the lost positions by nightfall.
- Concerned with the possibility that an Italian attack on Austria-Hungary might induce the latter to seek a separate peace with Russia, Falkenhayn has invited Conrad to Berlin for discussions today. On the issue of a separate peace, Falkenhayn is reassured that Austria-Hungary would not approach the Russians without first communicating with the Germans and asking for their participation. The two chiefs of staff also discuss the situation in the Carpathians and, despite the repeated requests of Conrad, Falkenhayn is unwilling to commit to the deployment of additional German forces to reinforce that front. The most Falkenhayn is willing to say to Conrad is that the question remains open as to whether the newly-raised Germans divisions can be most profitably employed in the West, the East, or against Serbia.
Nevertheless, the deteriorating military position of Austria-Hungary, combined with the possibility of Italy and Romania joining the ranks of Germany's enemies, has Falkenhayn contemplating whether a more substantial German commitment to the Eastern Front is necessary to prop up their faltering ally. The German Chief of Staff still views a campaign in the Carpathians as foolhardy, and has no intention of sending German divisions to that front as Conrad desires. Falkenhayn is, however, more open to the possibility of a German offensive elsewhere on the Eastern Front. Today he asks General August von Cramon, the German military attache at Conrad's headquarters, to make inquiries regarding the condition of the railways between the Vistula River and the Carpathians, especially near the town of Gorlice. Falkenhayn emphasizes the importance of discretion, not to keep the Russians from learning about his inquiry, but rather the Austro-Hungarians: if German forces need to be shifted east for a major offensive, he intends this to be German-led operation, and does not want Conrad either interfering or demanding redeployments to the Carpathians. Such is the nature of coalition politics between Germany and Austria-Hungary.
- In the central Carpathians the retreat of the centre and right of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army is completed today. Despite heavy pressure from the Russians, the Austro-Hungarians are able to establish themselves in their new defensive positions without significant mishaps.
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| The position of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army after its retreat of April 2nd to 4th, 1915. |
At the far eastern end of the mountain range, the Russian 9th Army has been attacking the Austro-Hungarian force under General Pflanzer-Baltin for several weeks, attempting to cross the Dniester River. The Russian objective is the city of Czernowitz, the capture of which may induce the Romanians to adopt a more positive line towards the Entente. Though the Austro-Hungarian defenders have been outnumbered, they have been able to prevent a Russian breakthrough. Today a Russian attack forces back the right wing of XI Corps, but the timely intervention of 93rd Division not only halts the enemy advance but succeeds in recovering the lost positions by nightfall.
Thursday, April 02, 2015
April 2nd, 1915
- The German liaison officer at Austro-Hungarian army headquarters forwards a report to Falkenhayn today regarding the views of Conrad on the overall strategic and political situation. In addition to reemphasizing Conrad's opposition to Italian concessions, he notes that the Austro-Hungarian chief of staff believes that if Italy enters the war, the best course of action might be a peace settlement with Russia in order to concentrate on the Italian foe. In part this reflects Conrad's desire to punish Italy for their perceived treachery during the July Crisis, but it also signals the first time Conrad has publicly mused about peace with Russia. Given the ongoing disaster in the Carpathians, the report is deeply troubling to Falkenhayn, as it appears to raise the possibility of Austria-Hungary signing a separate peace with Russia, regardless of the views of Germany, if it feels such a move is the only means of avoiding the disintegration of the Dual Monarchy. Whatever the fighting quality of the Austro-Hungarian army, Germany can ill-afford to have its only ally to abandon the war against Russia.
- Meanwhile in the Carpathians themselves, the retreat of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army has also forced the eastern wing of 3rd Army back, lest a gap open between the two. The German commander of Südarmee adds his voice to the criticism of 2nd Army commander, who in turn offers to resign. Conrad refuses the offer, perhaps recognizing (even if only subconsciously) the extent to which he has contributed to the predictament 2nd Army finds itself in.
Behind the eastern wing of 3rd Army, however, the lead elements of the German Beskid Corps - two regiments of 50th Reserve Brigade of 25th Reserve Division - begin to arrive. General Georg von der Marwitz, commander of Beskid Corps and formerly a cavalry commander on the Western Front in 1914, confers with the head of the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army, and it is decided to use the German formation to counterattack the advancing Russians, with whatever assistance the battered Austro-Hungarian X Corps can provide.
- Meanwhile in the Carpathians themselves, the retreat of the Austro-Hungarian 2nd Army has also forced the eastern wing of 3rd Army back, lest a gap open between the two. The German commander of Südarmee adds his voice to the criticism of 2nd Army commander, who in turn offers to resign. Conrad refuses the offer, perhaps recognizing (even if only subconsciously) the extent to which he has contributed to the predictament 2nd Army finds itself in.
Behind the eastern wing of 3rd Army, however, the lead elements of the German Beskid Corps - two regiments of 50th Reserve Brigade of 25th Reserve Division - begin to arrive. General Georg von der Marwitz, commander of Beskid Corps and formerly a cavalry commander on the Western Front in 1914, confers with the head of the Austro-Hungarian 3rd Army, and it is decided to use the German formation to counterattack the advancing Russians, with whatever assistance the battered Austro-Hungarian X Corps can provide.
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