Sreiter, the command of the Southwestern Front of the Russian Army. Pen × fun × Pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 infoAs the war continues to develop, the situation seems to be becoming more and more unfavorable for the Russian army. This also made the atmosphere in the entire front army headquarters more and more tense. Even the commander of the Front, Colonel-General Ivanov, kept his face tense.

"How's the situation at the front? Our troops, broke through the lines of the Austro-Hungarian Army? Admiral Ivanov asked.

"General, the battle continues. Our various army groups are launching onslaughts. However, the resistance of the Austrians was also very stubborn. So far, it has not been possible to break through the Austrian defenses. The adjutant reported.

"Damn! Those Austro-Hungarian cowards seem to have completely changed their troops. Compared to before, it is a world of difference! Admiral Ivanov lamented.

In the early days of the war, the Russian army had always had the upper hand in the battle with the Austrian army. However, in this decisive battle, the Austrian army seemed to have been reborn and became vigorous. In the battle, they fought desperately with the Russian army, so that the Russian army was unable to break through their defense line for a long time. And the losses are getting bigger and bigger. This made Admiral Ivanov unpretentiously worried about the future of the war.

If, the Russian army is slow to break through the line of defense of the Austrian army. And the 4th Army could not withstand the attack of the German 8th Army Corps. Then the battle ended with the defeat of the Russian army. At that time, the Southwestern Front will suffer a heavy blow. The Russian army will also be completely at a disadvantage on the battlefield on the Eastern Front. Such consequences will not be something these generals can bear.

"How's the situation on General Dimitryev's side?" Admiral Ivanov asked.

"General, the situation with the 4th Army is also very bad. General Dimitriev has just sent a telegram asking for help, asking us to send reinforcements to the 4th Army. Otherwise, they probably won't last long. The adjutant said.

Admiral Ivanov's brows furrowed tightly. This battle is really too embarrassing. It was not only the tenacity of the Austrian army, but also the expectations of Admiral Ivanov. The strength of the German army was even more unexpected than he expected. These two unexpected factors put the Russian army at a disadvantage in this battle.

"Damn! 300,000 people, can't you hold on for half a month? Admiral Ivanov couldn't help but scold.

"General, the German attack was very strong, and the 4th Army suffered great losses. Yesterday, the Germans had already captured Cheum. Most of the 100,000 people stationed there were killed. The remnants of the troops, too, surrendered to the Germans. Including Lieutenant General Fyodor and Lieutenant General Golovin. The day before yesterday, the 22nd Infantry Corps went to the rescue of Thieuum, but before it reached Hyum, it was routed by the Germans. At the same time, the Germans were storming Zamošić, and the troops of the 4th Army stationed there were similarly difficult to resist the German attack. So, the situation is very critical. The adjutant explained.

Admiral Ivanov was silent, and from the situation reported by the adjutant just now, he also knew that the situation of the 4th Army was indeed very difficult. The main forces of the 4th Army, under the onslaught of the German 8th Army, were about to be lost. If this continues, the 4th Army will probably be annihilated soon.

"Do we still have extra troops?" Admiral Ivanov asked. In any case, if the 4th Army really couldn't resist it, he couldn't just ignore it, and he had to send reinforcements. Whether the 4th Army could withstand the German offensive was directly related to whether they had enough time to continue the battle.

"General, we already have no extra troops. All the units of the 3rd Army, the 8th Army and the 11th Army were already sent to attack the Austrians. The 13th Army is still on its way. It will take at least ten days or more to reach the battlefield. The adjutant said.

Admiral Ivanov thought for a moment, and then said: "Send a telegram to General Dimitriev asking him to hold out for at least ten more days." After the 13th Army, it will directly cooperate with them! ”

Admiral Ivanov had no other choice but to give Colonel-General Dimitriev and the 4th Army a hope, so that they could muster up the courage to continue fighting. As for whether the 4th Army can hold out until the 13th Army arrives, it only depends on God's will.

"Yes, General." The adjutant nodded and went to telegraph.

After the adjutant left, Admiral Ivanov's face became gloomy. The current situation is really unfavorable for them. He could already vaguely sense that they were going to lose the war this time. The most rational choice is undoubtedly to immediately shrink the line of defense from now on and hold on. Or retreat to the heart of Russia, trading space for time.

However, it was clearly impossible for Admiral Ivanov to do so. If you do that, it means that all the losses that the Russian army has paid before will be in vain. At the same time, it also means that they will be on the battlefield, at a disadvantage, losing large territories.

Although, this is the only way to reduce losses. But Tsar Nicholas II would never have believed it. He will only think that it was the incompetence of the generals that led to the defeat of the Russian army, the loss of a large number of troops, and the loss of large territories. What awaits these generals is a trial by a military court, and they will even be sent directly to the gallows by the angry Nicholas II.

So, now that the battle has begun, there is no way for Admiral Ivanov to retreat. Now he has only one choice, and that is to continue the fight. Until they get the final victory, or they are completely defeated.

Of course, there is another reason why Admiral Ivanov chose to continue the battle, that is, there is still a trace of luck in his heart. In his opinion, the current situation is not favorable for the Russian army. But they are not without a chance of winning. If the Russian army can break through the Austrian defense line and crush the Austrian army. Then, the situation can be reversed. Otherwise, this time they will lose.

"May God bless us!" Admiral Ivanov secretly prayed to God.

Immediately, he once again issued orders to the Russian 3rd Army, 8th Army and 11th Army, asking them to further strengthen the offensive. Within three days, it was necessary to tear through the Austrian defenses. Otherwise, they would have no hope for this battle. It can be said that Admiral Ivanov completely pinned his hopes on the next three days of fighting.