Thread by @OberstWKlink

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | All units for the upcoming offensive were now in position, with Von Mackensen's 11. Armee deployed to the SW of #Gorlice with Korps Kneussl & the XLI Reserve Korps to the west of the city. The A-H VI Korps followed & the Garde Korps was on the 25/X

northern flank. The two Div of X Korps were assembling in reserve. Joseph Ferdinand's 4. Armee was to the north of 11. Armee with IX Korps deployed on either side of #Gromnik, whereas Gruppe Roth's two divisions were to its north. The most northern formation Gruppe 26/X

Stöner-Steiner, made up of various Landsturm units and a few battalions assigned from 1. Armee. Joseph Ferdinand's reserve was a single brigade from XII Korps. The deployment and movement since the decision for the offensive in this sector of the Eastern front were 27/X

impressive. The Central Powers managed to transport Von Mackensen's army with over 500(!!!) trains to the front. Limited attacks were already ordered and executed by the 11.InfDiv (BY) #OTD to secure the most advantageous positions for their opening attacks, moving its 28/X

regiments to new positions only 200m away from the Russian trenches. The Germans wanted to keep up the momentum of their attack after learning from their experiences attacking prepared positions in Poland in December 1914 and on the Western Front. 29/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | Preparatory attacks by units of the A-H VI Korps didn't go as well as the attack of the Bavarians the day before, which was mainly because of Russian counterattacks and stiff resistance. Nevertheless, the desired pre-attack positions were secured. 30/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | Some figures about the amount of artillery being prepared for the #Breakthrough and map. | Source 👇available at The digital State Library of Upper Austria. 31/X

The German artillery began its zeroing in on 1st of May, increasing during the afternoon and night to a disruptive fire designed to deter the Russian leadership from reinforcing their defences. 32/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow *correction* | During the early hours, the shelling paused from 0100-0300 so that German recce patrols could reconnoitre the situation and German sappers could clear paths through the Russian wire entanglements. Tile von Kalm describes the 33/X

events as follows: "Artillery preparation began. 6 o'clock in the morning! A mighty blow makes the air tremble. The ground shakes. In a long, rolling echo, the mountains of the southern sector of the front return the thunder. The first salvo from all the guns of the 34/X

effective firing is opened. And now a hellish noise rises, the roll and rumble from the sharp bang of the field gun to the dull thud of the heavy mortar. All the steep fire slams into the enemy infantry positions. Under the force of the heavy mortar rounds, the earth 35/X

splashes up as high as a house, whirling the beams of the dugouts and obstacle parts along with it. Incendiary grenades were fired into the thatched roofs of the villages and into the maze of houses in #Gorlice. Soon individual houses in and behind the front line caught 36/X

fire and soon high flames rose from the western part of Gorlice. Clouds of dust and smoke cover the eerie picture of destruction. A huge black cloud obscures the sun. It covers the battlefield with sooty smoke. The petroleum refinery east of Gorlice is in flames." 37/X

11.InfDiv (BY) encountered strong resistance in the southern sector of the attack, but eventually overran the second line of Russian defences and beat off a counterattack. They suffered substantial losses, but compared to those on the Western Front, the casualties were 38/X

'acceptable'. 119.ResInfDiv of Korps Kneussl reached the southern outskirts of Gorlice, pushing the Russians back over a mile, but also suffered significant losses. The Russian 9th ID, part of their X Corps, suffered serious casualties and lost several hundred prisoners by 39/X

the end of the day. XLI Reserve Korps, positioned north of Korps Kneussl, had 81.ResInfDiv in the northern part of its sector and 82.ResInfDiv in the south. The latter made good progress, reaching its first objective on a small hill in under an hour and capturing numerous 40/X

Russians. Fighting continued throughout the day, but by dusk, most of Gorlice was under German control. The struggle for the town cost the Germans about 500 men dead or wounded, while the Russians lost over 3,600 prisoners, including one general. This was the first major 41/X

success of the campaign, and the seam between the Russian 61st ID and 9th ID had been forced open. The situation In the northern part of Francois’s Korps, it didn't turn out to be easy. 81.InfDiv faced strong resistance from the Russians. They had trenches, fortifications, 42/X

and MGs positioned in a nearby village, making it difficult for the Germans to advance. After a short artillery bombardment, the Germans attempted to storm the embankment but were repulsed. They tried again in the early afternoon, and despite heavy losses, they were able to 43/X

break through the resistance and secure the railway embankment. More than 4,000 Russian prisoners were taken, but the lead Rgt of the German assault suffered heavy losses. Despite this, by mid-afternoon, Francois’s Korps had exceeded their objectives for the first day of the 44/X

campaign. They continued to make progress throughout the remaining hours of the day. The northern part of Von Mackensen's Armee consisted of the Garde Korps. It was to advance across hilly terrain to capture objectives, but artillery support was assigned unevenly, causing 45/X

some delays. The 2.GardeInfDiv faced heavy resistance and suffered substantial losses but managed to capture the village of #Staszkowka. On the other hand, 1.GardeInfDiv encountered minimal resistance due to effective German artillery preparation, and the division 46/X

eventually had to stop from getting too far ahead. Overall, the Garde Korps had suffered significant losses. Things went a tad different for the A-H attack forces. Despite 12.InfDiv taking a significant number of Russian prisoners and destroying the opposing forces 47/X

39.HonvedInfDiv, the other part of the A-H Korps, struggled to advance through hilly terrain with minimal artillery support. Eventually, the division reached its objectives as the opposing forces retreated out of fear of being flanked. 48/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | By the morning of May 3rd, the number of prisoners had reached 12,000, which was a significant achievement for a frontal attack. The Austro-Hungarian armies were able to protect the flanks of the main assault. However, the news on the Russian 49/X

side was less favorable. Two regiments of the 70th Infantry Division were knocked out of the battle, and the northern flank of the 31st Infantry Division was turned. The Russian commander had no local reserves to restore the situation, and the arrival of III Caucasian 50/X

Corps, which was over a day's march to the east, was critical. X Corps' position was particularly precarious, and the Russians could only hope that the German assault would pause long enough for III Caucasian Corps to reinforce the line. Confident that his formations were 51/X

making good progress, Von Mackensen issued further orders during the afternoon of the 3rd, to the effect that crossings over the should be secured the following day, thus dislocating the third and final Russian defensive line. As a prelude to this, the objectives for the 52/X

actual day were moved further east; unfortunately, this order reached the front line at about the same time that Russian resistance slowed the advance of 11.InfDay(BY) in the south, 82.ResInfDiv in the centre, and the Garde Korps in the north. Consequently, by the end of the 53/X

day, despite many new objectives were not reached, 11. Armee had made satisfactory progress, advancing approx. 10km through Russian defences with acceptable casualties. While these gains were not as significant as those at Tannenberg or the Masurian Lakes, they were still 54/X

impressive considering the strength of the Russian positions and compared to attacks on fortified lines on the Western Front. Dimitriev, on the Russian side, informed Ivanov via telegram that Protopopov's X Corps 55/X *note | crossing the Wisłoka river | I missed in 52/X*

was being attacked by substantial German forces and might not hold until the arrival of III Caucasian Corps. He had already dispatched minimal reserves to the front to buy time for a counterattack but warned that a withdrawal to the final line of defences along the Wisłoka 56/X

might be necessary, which would require a matching withdrawal by all forces on its flanks. Dimitriev requested additional reinforcements from as far as Northwest Front, assuming that the Germans were concentrating in southern Poland and weakening their lines elsewhere. 57/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | German aircraft reported that the Russians had abandoned their positions in front of the 11.InfDiv(BY), but new columns of Russians were seen hurrying forward. The Bavarians advanced rapidly but were stopped by organized defences and had to wait 58/X

for artillery support. The Russians were eventually overcome, and the Bavarians advanced about 5km. The 11.ResInfDiv faced a serious Russian counterattack but successfully defeated it, allowing the rest of the Korps to continue towards the Wisłoka. 59/X

82.ResInfDiv successfully established itself in Pagórek, within the Russian positions, while the 81.ResInfDiv encountered tough resistance at Harklowa due to dense woodland. Despite difficulties, German troops worked their way through the terrain, but attempts to take 60/X

Harklowa were hindered by flanking fire from nearby hill positions. Confusion between regiments added to the challenges faced by the Germans, and by nightfall, Harklowa remained under Russian control. The A-H VI Korps however made slow progress and passed through Biecz. 61/X

The 39.InfDiv(Honved) was involved in multiple assaults before successfully taking its objectives. Later in the day, 12.InfDiv overran the Russian positions that had outflanked German attacks on Harklowa, but it was too late to make a significant impact before the day ended. 62/X

In the north, the left flank of the Garde Korps had to be pulled back because the A-H forces could not keep up with the advance. Despite this setback, it made an exemplary advance and overran the Russian defences. In the evening, the local Russian commander informed his 63/X

superior, that the deployment of III Caucasian Corps had not improved the situation and X Corps was down to only 5,000 combatants. The pressure on the Russian line was causing a ripple effect, as XII Corps began to withdraw near the Dukla Pass and XXIV Corps received orders 64/X

to move east near Nowy Żmigród. The destabilization of the Russian positions in the Carpathians was beginning far earlier than Von Falkenhayn and Conrad von Hötzendorf had anticipated. 65/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 5th, the Germans sent in the 20th Infantry Division to fight. They quickly defeated the Russian forces and took control of Nowy Żmigród. They also captured a bridge over the Wisłoka river intact and continued to advance towards Wietrzno 66/X

with little opposition. 11.InfDiv(BY) protected the southern flank while the 119.ResInfDiv rested in ŻmigrÓd. The German Korps commander was pleased with the outcome of the battle. In the northern sector, the units of François encountered resistance from III Caucasian Corps, 67/X

and although his troops eventually overcame it, they only made limited progress towards the Wisłoka. Arz von Straußenburg's A-H VI Corps, also faced moderate resistance and only made modest gains. The Guards' divisions also advanced slowly. However, Korps Emmich succeeded 68/X

in establishing a firm position beyond the Wisłoka, allowing Von Mackensen to claim that they had broken through the Russian defences. The German army now controlled the roads leading south to the Dukla Pass, forcing the Russian forces in the western Carpathians to begin 69/X

withdrawing east. The Russians were unable to prevent the German army's exploitation of their weakness. III Caucasian Corps could no longer be concentrated into a single force for a counterattack because its regiments were scattered across the front. X Corps had been 70/X

significantly weakened, and III Caucasian Corps had lost over 2/3 of its troops. The remaining forces were disorganized and demoralized, requiring time to regroup and recover, which was unlikely to be available in the face of a confident German army and its ally. 71/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | The breakthrough led to significant advancements in the areas north and south of the main front. As German and Austro-Hungarian troops progressed past the Wisłoka river, the Russian army had to reassess its positions in the western Carpathian 72/X

mountains. In the south, the German Beskidenkorps and the A-H VII Corps launched a joint attack near Mezölaborcz that quickly put pressure on the Russian 12th and 19th Infantry Divisions. However, the Russian troops managed to withdraw efficiently through the town and into 73/X

the mountains. By May 6th, they had retreated more than 20km. Von Mackensen advanced the remainder of his army towards the southern flank line that Emmich's Korps had reached in the centre of the battlefield. On the evening of May 6th he noted, that the Russians were 74/X

retreating completely, regardless of Stavka's desires. As the German and A-H troops advanced, the situation was precarious for the Russian troops on the western edge of the line. XXIV Corps had its retreat paths cut off by the enemy, leaving 48th & 49th Infantry Division's 75/X

northern formations in a difficult position. Despite equipment losses, 49th Infantry Division fought its way through to their designated line. However, 48th Infantry Division found their intended escape routes blocked by the enemy. In an attempt to find a new route, the 76/X

Russians ran into the troops of the 11.InfDiv(BY) and had to retreat. However, they found themselves within range of the pursuing AH 45.InfDiv. This led to a breakdown in order, and the majority of the division's infantry fled into the nearby woods. Additionally, the A-H 77/X

cavalry that had advanced through the Dukla Pass captured most of the division's artillery. 78/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 7, the remaining troops of Kornilov attempted to reach safety. However, they were pursued by A-H units and struggled through the mountains on poor roads. 48th Infantry Division was no longer able to function as a unified unit, and only 79/X

fragments of eight battalions were able to retreat successfully. The remainder of the division was either captured or killed. Despite the 48th Infantry Division's destruction, the majority of Russian troops in the western Carpathians were able to withdraw safely. Pursuit 80/X

was difficult due to the mountainous terrain, which did not allow for quick advances, and the supply columns' inability to keep up with the troops. The poor winter roads, which had deteriorated due to heavy activity, simply gave way. 81/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 8th, François and his troops moved forward to attack the next village to the east from Haczow. The operation was unremarkable, but his account highlights that infantry tactics were still stuck in the doctrine of a previous era. 82/X

He reported, that the attack had been carried out over a field without any cover over 3km and that the lines of riflemen had moved forward at a calm pace in exemplary order, despite the smoke of exploding shrapnel often covering them. The advance continued without pause, 83/X

even in the face of strong enemy artillery fire, and the first wave had reportedly reached the Morawa valley with really light losses. However, after crossing, it was reported that the riflemen came under heavy rifle and MG fire from houses and hedges, and a laborious and 84/X

costly fight had ensued to advance. It was said that after breaking into the village, every farmhouse had to be taken in bitter hand-to-hand fighting. The battle reportedly raged throughout the night, and it was only at dawn that the village and the high ground to the east 85/X

were reportedly in the division's hands. Fresh Russian forces had reportedly again fought with remarkable courage. The retreating Russian units were unable to stop the Germans from securing crossings, and it's commander was unable to follow instructions to hold the line 86/X

of the Wisłoka from both his superior and Stavka. He had to think about where he could stop the Germans. Additionally, he was under pressure from Mackensen and was aware that losses suffered by XII and XXIV Corps in the western Carpathians could lead to another breakthrough. 87/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 9th, the OHL moved to Pszczyna Castle, which was closer to the Eastern Front, indicating the increased importance of the region. Discussions also began on how to take advantage of Von Mackensen's successes, with Von Hötzendorf proposing a 88/X

complex and energetic widening of the offensive. Von Mackensen's 11.Armee would pursue the retreating Russians towards and beyond the River San, with the Austro-Hungarian 4.Armee joining the attack from the north. 89/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 10th, A-H troops assisted Emmich's Korps in overcoming Russian resistance along the River Wisłoka. However, the Russian XII Corps, retreating from the Carpathians, launched a counterattack to try to restore the line along the Wisłoka, but 90/X

were ultimately unsuccessful. Shchkinsky divided his corps into two thrusts to the northwest of Sanok, but Emmich had a reserve division that was able to flank the Russian attack. The A-H X Korps also threatened to envelop the Russian forces, but Shchkinsky dispatched 91/X

reserves just in time to hold off the threat from the south and pull back to Sanok. The Russian counterattack failed to make any significant impact on the campaign and was effectively the last hope of holding a line west of the River San. 92/X

After German aerial recce reported a significant Russian retreat towards the San, Emmich commanded his troops to push on despite their fatigue and losses. The tired soldiers struggled forward through the hills and managed to cover about half of the remaining distance to 93/X

Sanok before they were compelled to stop. | Otto von Emmich | Jakov Shchkinsky 94/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | By May 11th, despite heavy losses, the German and A-H formations made significant gains by capturing 100,000 prisoners and eighty guns . The Russian army was not in a position to halt Von Mackensen’s advance, so the Central Powers needed to 95/X

determine how to proceed. Von Mackensen planned to continue advancing to secure the San line and press on towards Rawa Ruska, which would threaten Lemberg. Although Von Hötzendorf had no objections, he insisted that the A-H 3.Armee should recapture the fortress of Przemyśl, 96/X

while Von Mackensen's 11.Armee was ordered to remain north of the fortress. The plan was also to regroup and shift its forces to the north while bringing in more ammunition. The Germans conducted extensive aerial recce to locate the Russian forces, and the reports from 97/X

Von Mackensen's pilots indicated that Dimitriev's units were significantly damaged. The reconnaissance revealed large columns of shattered formations being replaced by fresh troops moving east from the San crossings. 98/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 12th, a conference in Pless resolved differences between Von Falkenhayn and Von Hötzendorf. The former ordered his army to move to the San, securing bridgeheads at Jaroslau and Radymno. A-H armies on the flanks would support the advance, 99/X

and 3.Armee was tasked with capturing Przemyśl. The 56.InfDiv joined Emmich’s Korps, and the 11.InfDiv(BY) was assigned to XLI Reserve Korps. As part of the reorganization, X Korps moved from the southern to the northern wing of 11.Armee. 100/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | Von Mackensen ordered his troops to attack the Russian bridgehead at Jaroslau, but the Russian 62nd, 41st, and 45th Infantry Divisions put up a good fight in the area. 11.Armee was again reorganized. 11.InfDiv(BY) being detached & Korps Kneussl 101/X

being reformed. The Garde Korps and A-H VI Korps focused on Jaroslau, while François' Korps advanced towards Radymno. Von Mackensen realised that a quick attack on Jaroslau was not possible, so he reshuffled his troops accordingly. 102/X

Throughout the day the Garde Korps & A-H VI Korps made efforts to overcome the Russian defences. While the A-H troops managed to advance somewhat, they faced artillery fire from Russian guns stationed on the east bank of the San, which slowed down their progress. 103/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | As of May 16th, François' primary worry centred around a scarcity of artillery ammunition. While there was an adequate supply to fend off any potential Russian counter attacks, it fell short of what was necessary to launch an offensive against 104/X

the fortified Russian positions near Radymno. This limitation on available resources greatly frustrated him, forcing him to restrict his troops to preparatory manoeuvres instead. 105/X

Title page of the Wiener Bilder paper from the 16th May 1915. | Situation map of the frontline(s) from 2nd to 15th May 1915. 106/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 17, the Garde Korps successfully crossed the San River at Jaroslau, establishing a bridgehead. Meanwhile, the XXXXI Reserve Korps was unable to achieve any significant progress and it's commander could only hand out medals to wounded 107/X

soldiers in the rear area. However, there was a positive development as there seemed to be no immediate threat from Przemyśl, allowing Korps Kneussl to withdraw two divisions and return the Bavarians to François' Korps. Despite this, the assault on Radymno remained 108/X

impractical due to insufficient artillery ammunition. In the north, Von Straußenburg's A-H VI Korps and the Garde Korps expanded their bridgehead and devised a plan to attack Radymno from the south, encircling it from the northeast. 109/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | Russian forces desperately launched attacks against the German and A-H troops near the San River. They formed a combined Corps using 3rd Caucasian RD and 77th Infantry Division. The attack, consisting of about roughly 24 Battalions, aimed to 110/X

break through the gap between the Garde Korps and VI Korps. However, the Germans easily repelled the assault. Meanwhile, the German 56.InfDiv identified a weak spot in the Russian line and exploited it to establish a bridgehead across the River Lubaczówa. This endangered 111/X

the III Caucasian Corps, prompting its commander to order a retreat. Additionally, two other Russian corps, XXI and XII Corps, were transferred to Brusilov's 8th Army. Despite their intended participation in the western assault, their impact was minimal. 112/X

That evening, François received confirmation from Von Mackensen that his Korps would be provided with the necessary heavy arty and ammo for an attack on Radymno. However, he was disappointed as the supply of these resources remained limited and arrived in small quantities. 113/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 24th, at 5 in the morning, the XXXXI Reserve Korps initiated its attack after an initial artillery bombardment. The Russians retaliated with their own artillery, but their fire began to weaken. At 7:30, heavy mortars joined the assault. 114/X

With little resistance from the Russians, the German infantry launched their attack at 8 o'clock. Machine-gunners from the 81.ResInfDiv swiftly advanced and captured six out of eight guns from a Russian battery attempting to withdraw. The northern half of Radymno was 115/X

secured by the advancing division, while progress from the south by 82.ResInfDiv was slower due to artillery fire from Przemyśl's distant fortifications. Despite the surprise, the Germans steadily advanced from both the north and south, making consistent progress against 116/X

the unprepared defenders. Upon reaching the west bank of the San, the Germans unleashed a fierce barrage of fire on the struggling Russians attempting to cross the far bank. The Germans held the advantage with the higher ground, resulting in the death of numerous Russians 117/X

before the fighting subsided. XXXXI Reserve Korps achieved a significant victory by decimating a large portion of the Russian XXI Corps. The German losses for the day were relatively low, with fewer than 700 dead and wounded. This triumph is particularly notable 118/X

considering the perceived strength of the Russian positions around Radymno. However, the key to their success may lie in the previous Russian attack that had been repelled by XXXXI Reserve Korps. Many of the Russian soldiers were inexperienced, newly drafted troops who 119/X

lacked proper training and combat exposure. The German bombardment preceding the assault might not have been as intense as the initial attack near Gorlice, but it was still sufficient to shatter the fragile morale of the defenders of Radymno. 120/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 28th, the 81.ResInfDiv made significant progress, reaching Stubno and Nakło, positioning themselves approximately 15km northeast of Przemyśl. Recognizing the danger this presented to the fortress, the Russian forces made an effort to 121/X

launch an assault on the village of Nakło. During the battle, in the early afternoon, the Russians launched a fierce attack on Nakło from three sides, sending waves of soldiers one after another. Despite the continuous onslaught, the German artillery proved devastating, 122/X

even though only one gun from a German artillery battery in the sector remained operational after enemy artillery fire destroyed the other three. The Russian attacks were particularly intense at the churchyard and the southeast corner of Nakło. The enemy managed to break 123/X

through and advance towards the church in dense groups, near where the battery commander and another officer had their HQ. Swiftly, a group consisting of all available rear area troops gathered around the officer. After some fierce fight, the Russians were thrown into 124/X

disarray and forced to retreat in disarray, having suffered significant losses in their failed assault. François deployed his forces with one division on each side of the San River, but coordination between them was a challenge. To address this issue, a pontoon bridge 125/X

was constructed at Barycz. This allowed elements of the 82.ResInfDiv to cross to the eastern bank of the river, relieving some pressure on Nakło from that direction. However, launching a successful major offensive towards Przemyśl seemed unlikely. To make matters worse, 126/X

main elements of 119.InfDiv were withdrawn from the front lines facing the fortress. The units relocated behind the northern flank of 11.Armee, providing additional security in case of further setbacks in the sector held by the A-H 4.Armee. 127/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On May 30th, intense artillery fire occurred on the western and northern sides of Przemyśl. German heavy artillery stationed in Nakło managed to halt the transportation on railways and roads but received fierce counter battery fire as well. 128/X

This counter bombardment resulted in the explosion of a significant portion of the detachment's ammunition and caused severe damage to the village. Additionally, it completely destroyed the heavy artillery battery that was obstructing Russian rail movements. The remaining 129/X

German artillery targeted the defences of Przemyśl, where the Russian commander organized his forces, consisting of leftovers from six infantry divisions. 130/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | The 11.InfDiv(BY) initially planned to attack from the north on May 31st, but they delayed their assault by one day to prepare their artillery. However, a NCO leading a reconnaissance patrol discovered that one of the forts on the northern 131/X

perimeter had already been abandoned. By late afternoon, the relentless bombardment had reduced the forts and defences to a chaotic heap of ruins. Prussian, Bavarian, and Austrian regiments then launched an assault on the remaining Russians. Although some 132/X

Russian soldiers were still present, they were severely injured and disorganized due to the intense shelling. The Russians retreated behind their defensive ring. X A-H Korps made a renewed effort to capture Pralkovice and Lipnik. Von Mackensen's troops managed to seize two 133/X

trenches near Fort No. 11, but at a high cost of casualties. Heavy artillery also targeted Forts No. 10 and 12. As night fell, two breaches had been created in the outer ring of forts, marking the grim toll of destruction and bloodshed. 134/X

Regenerate response

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On June 1st, the Russian forces initiated a counterattack. Despite the fact that the newly deployed troops of XIV Corps managed to drive out the A-H XIV Korps from Rudnik and briefly posed a threat to Archduke Joseph Ferdinand's 4.Armee by 135/X

joining forces with the right flank of the Third Army, the battle lost its significance due to unfolding events in the southern sectors of the front. 136/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On June 2, 1915, it was a sunny and warm summer day. German and A-H troops were marching towards the fortress of Przemyśl from all directions. At noon, the 21.InfRgt(BY) captured Fort No. 10. Later in the day, the Prussian Grenadier Guards took 137/X

control of Fort No. 12. During the night, the attackers entered the village of Zuravica, which was part of the outer perimeter. Austrian troops broke through from the southwest and also got inside the fortress. 138/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | "On June 3, 1915, a new day broke over Galicia, and once again the sun cast its warm rays upon the land. In the distance, an unyielding line of soldiers advanced steadily towards the fortress, resembling a well-oiled machine. But what of the weary 139/X

defenders who had valiantly held their ground? They were nowhere to be found. Overnight, they had vanished into thin air, leaving behind only the echoes of their presence. As the morning light enveloped the town, Austrian and Bavarian forces triumphantly marched in. Their 140/X

sole adversaries were the lifeless bodies strewn across the battlefield, a haunting testament to the fierce struggle that had taken place." The capture of the fortress marked the culmination of the second stage of the German offensive that had initially commenced near 141/X

Gorlice and Tarnów. The Russian forces had endured devastating casualties, surpassing an estimated 400,000, with more than 170,000 taken captive. Despite the considerable losses suffered by Von Mackensen's divisions, which had been significantly weakened, numerous units 142/X

remained intact but were significantly diminished in size. The third stage of the offensive one could describe as the battle for Lemberg, the ancient capital of Galicia. It wasn't over for the Russians, yet. 143/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On June 5th, preparations for the advance towards Lemberg were underway. Trains were operational up to Jaroslau, facilitating the arrival of reinforcements and supplies. German aircraft conducted thorough aerial recce of the Russian positions, 144/X

capturing detailed photographs of identifiable locations. Special focus was given to the line of lakes near Gródek and the northern woodland, as these areas were deemed critical on the upcoming battlefield where the Russian defenders would have an advantage due to 145/X

the terrain. Meanwhile, the infantry of 11.Armee took the chance to rest and recover. A new Korps, consisting of the 119. and 56.InfDiv, led by Karl von Behr, was assigned to the left flank closest to the A-H 4.Armee. South of von Behr's Korps was X Korps, with 146/X

19. & 20.InfDiv, followed by the XXII Reserve Korps. The Garde Korps held the position after Falkenhayn's Korps, with the A-H VI Korps located to the south. Finally, on the southern wing of the army, was François' XXXI Reserve Korps. 147/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On June 12th, operations resumed on the northern flank involving Korps Behr and the German 22.InfDiv, which were temporarily assigned to A-H XVII Korps of the 4.Armee. Their objective was to recapture Sieniawa. The Russians had previously taken 148/X

control of the town and had advanced approx. 5km towards Jaroslau. However, the German forces quickly forced them back and regained control of most of Sieniawa. The Russian XXIV Corps attempted several counterattacks later in the day, but all were repelled. The German 149/X

forces had a successful day, capturing 5,000 prisoners. Additionally, the Austro-Hungarian troops of XVII Korps also crossed the river as part of the operation. 150/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On the morning of June 13th, the main attack began with a heavy artillery barrage involving 700 guns. 81.ResInfDiv made some progress despite strong resistance, advancing approx. 5km and suffering significant losses. 82.ResInDiv also faced 151/X

difficulties crossing he Wisznia, requiring multiple artillery bombardments before advancing later in the day. The Beskidenkorps and Von Straußenburg's 6th A-H Korps on either side of the XLI Reserve Corps made limited progress as well. The casualties amounted to 152/X

around 1,000 KIA and WIA, and the German forces captured approximately 1,400 POWs from the Russian VIII Corps. The Austro-Hungarian divisions in the vicinity experienced similar outcomes. In the northern sector, the Garde Korps received additional artillery support for 153/X

their offensive. 1.GardeDiv in the southern part of the Korps required extra artillery assistance to break through the initial Russian defences. However, 2.GardeDiv in the north had a smoother operation as their attack targeted the gap between the Russian XXIII and 154/X

II Caucasian Corps. They swiftly advanced 5km and took prisoners throughout the day. On Plettenberg's northern flank, Falkenhayn's XXII Reserve Korps and Korps Behr also made significant progress. By the end of the day, Mackensen was confident that the challenging part of 155/X

the mission had been accomplished. Now, Mackensen's primary focus was to prevent the Russians from forming a new defensive line that could impede the progress of 11.Armee and the A-H units assigned to it. 156/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On the morning of June 14th, François directed his two divisions to commence fresh offensives against the Russian forces, but discovered that they had withdrawn overnight. Despite advancing approximately 6.5km, the German troops encountered a 157/X

newly established Russian defensive position. In response, one of François' brigade commanders, personally conducted reconnaissance towards a nearby forest. According to the report by Oberst Wilhelm Kaupert, he spotted Russian trenches located a few hundred meters from the 158/X

edge of the woodland. He observed that the rifles were placed on the breastwork, and the soldiers were positioned along the trench edges. Kaupert noted that he did not hear any gunfire during his observation. While riding parallel to the trench line, he successfully 159/X

identified the left flank and observed reserves positioned behind it. On his way back along the road, Kaupert experienced a sudden and intense gunfire, but he managed to avoid it by accelerating his speed. After resolving the initial confusion, he orchestrated a rapid 160/X

attack. Following a short but resolute battle, his troops triumphed over the Russian forces and captured the positions that he had surveyed. Although the casualties were lower than the previous day, the XXXXI Reserve Korps was experiencing the pressure of continuous 161/X

combat since early May without any reinforcements. The Russian 8th Army made the decision to retreat on the southern flank of the battlefield, as they did not want to risk being outflanked by the advancing German forces. Both Mackensen and Conrad urged the commander of A-H 162/X

2.Armee to intensify their pursuit of the Russians in order to hinder their organized withdrawal. On the left flank of the army, the Beskidenkorps had launched a vigorous attack on the first day of the operation, but suffered significant losses. However, the other A-H 163/X

formations, who were considerably weakened from their winter battles in the Carpathians, displayed less vigour and energy in their actions. On the northern flank commanded by François, the A-H VI Korps engaged in a day of intense combat. The town of Krakowiec, located in 164/X

the southern sector of the Korps, was the first significant settlement in the path of the assault. As the troops of the 39.InfDiv (Honved) approached the town, they noticed that the Russian forces had set fire to the bridges over the Szkło River. While observing columns 165/X

of Russian troops retreating to the east, the Hungarian soldiers encountered determined resistance near a small lake just outside Krakowiec, causing their advance to come to a halt. However, progress was comparatively easier north of the town. A-H 12.InfDiv, in close 166/X

coordination with the Garde Korps, overcame fierce opposition from the Russian Caucasian Division and 34th Infantry Division. Slightly further north, XXII and X Korps, along with Korps Behr, faced a challenging day of advancing through dense woodlands, which made 167/X

effective use of artillery challenging. Nevertheless, they persisted and continued to push the Russians back towards the northeast. Despite some advancements made by Mackensen's troops, they generally did not fully achieve the objectives set for the day. However, 168/X

the central formations managed to penetrate the second line of Russian defences. 169/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | By June 17th, the front line had advanced approximately 30km from its initial position. It now stretched along the Gródek position, which was acknowledged by both opposing sides as the final major obstacle before reaching Lemberg. 170/X

#OTD 1915 #GorliceTarnow | On June 18th, the German and A-H gunners worked on advancing their heavy artillery to the Gródek position, which had been fortified extensively. This move was supported by various sources of information, such as reconnaissance, civilian 171/X

reports, radio intercepts, and prisoner interrogations. Von Mackensen however was cautious and wanted to avoid any risks. The fortified position indicated that the Russians would rely on their traditional strength of stubborn defence. However, if the Germans could breach 172/X

the line, the Russians would be forced into a battle of manoeuvre, and their previous losses, particularly among their officers, would work against them. Despite the damage caused by the retreating Russian forces to the roads and bridges in the area, the artillerymen 173/X

faced no significant problems. They rebuilt bridges and transported their guns and ammo with the help of 11.Armee pioneers. German aircrafts conducted recce, preparing for the forthcoming bombardment. The Russians had no choice but to wait for what was about to happen. 174/X