Jagged Germany: Chapter 127 Dismount
Konigsberg, the capital of East Prussia, is also an important support point for Germany to defend Russia on the Eastern Front. Near Königsberg, the German army built a large number of fortifications such as fortifications as important fortifications against Russian attacks.
In the Schlieffen plan, due to Russia's traffic factors and mobilization speed, the main force of the German Army will be placed on the western front, trying to completely defeat France before Russia completes its mobilization. Therefore, only ten infantry divisions are reserved on the eastern front to guard against Russia. Compared with Russia, which has a standing army of more than one million, ten infantry divisions are undoubtedly too few. After all, once war begins, Russia's millions of standing troops will dispatch hundreds of thousands or more troops to attack East Prussia. Therefore, the German Army General Staff believes that they can only rely on defense to delay the German army and buy enough time.
Qin Tian took a special train from Berlin to Königsberg. He went to Königsberg with him, including General Paul von Hindenburg, the deputy commander of the 8th Army, and Brigadier General Erich von Ludendorff, the acting chief of staff.
The commanders and division commanders of the 8th Army, except for a few people, gathered at the train station, waiting for Qin Tian and his party. Qin Tian is not only the commander of the 8th Army, but also the crown prince of the empire, what a noble status.
The three armies under the 8th Army are the 11th Army, the 17th Army, and the 20th Army. There is also a reserve army, the 1st Reserve Army. If you count the garrison troops and cavalry troops in various places, the total strength of the 8th Army can exceed 200,000 after sufficient mobilization.
On the platform of the railway station, a group of generals of the German army were waiting for Qin Tian's special train, chatting at the same time.
"Your Majesty took the lead in forming our 8th Army this time! However, it was unexpected for the Crown Prince to come down as the commander of the 8th Army." A middle-aged general sighed. He is Lieutenant General Mackensen, commander of the 20th Army of the 8th Army of the German Army.
"Although His Royal Highness is not from the army, his talent is certain. What's more, General Hindenburg and General Ludendorff from the General Staff have cooperated. I believe that the Eighth Army under their leadership I will definitely be stronger." Another middle-aged general said. He was Lieutenant General François, commander of the 11th Army.
Among the regular establishments of the German Army, there is no such establishment as a corps, that is, an army group. It is often only when a war breaks out that armies, divisions, brigades and other units are mobilized to form legions. So naturally there are no permanent positions such as legion commanders. However, this time the Eighth Army was formed ahead of schedule. The purpose is to allow Qin Tian to have more time to familiarize himself with, control and arm the 8th Army, so that the 8th Army can play a greater role in future wars.
"Well, but I think someone will be very disappointed." General Mackenson said with a smile.
General Francois also had a smile on his face.
Someone in their mouth, Lieutenant General Plittwitz, commander of the 17th Army, you know, he is a favorite of William II, and among the entire army stationed in East Prussia, he relies on himself and William II The relationship between the world is domineering. He even said more than once that if the 8th Army is formed, he will be the best candidate for the commander of the Army. But now, Qin Tian's intervention undoubtedly completely shattered his hope. At the same time, it also made him lose face among the various units under the Eighth Army.
This annoyed Lieutenant General Prittwitz so much that today was the day Qin Tian arrived in Königsberg, but Lieutenant General Prittwitz said he was sick and couldn't come to greet him.
"I hope His Highness the Crown Prince is a good talker! Otherwise, Prittwitz will be miserable this time. He will leave a bad impression on His Highness the Crown Prince, and he will never be able to stay in the 8th Army. said General Francois.
"Hmph! That guy had better be transferred from the 8th Army. If he stays in the 8th Army, it will be of no use at all. It will only make the entire army worse." General Mackenson said.
It can be seen that General Mackensen dislikes Lieutenant General Prittwitz very much, and wished that he would be transferred.
"Woohoo!"
The whistle sounded from a distance, and the generals on the platform stopped talking quickly.
Soon, Qin Tian's special train entered the station and stopped in front of everyone.
The car door opened, and Qin Tian in military uniform, accompanied by Admiral Hindenburg and Brigadier General Ludendorff, got off the train.
"His Royal Highness, welcome to Königsberg." Generals François and Mackensen hurried up to welcome you.
Admiral Hindenburg whispered their identities to Qin Tian in Qin Tian's ear.
"General François, General Mackensen, thank you for coming to pick me up." Qin Tian said with a smile. According to the information he had before, General Francois and General Mackensen are also rare talents in the 8th Army, especially General Francois, who is a genius and adventurous general. General Mackensen is also an outstanding general, but he is a little older.
Qin Tian glanced at the German generals on the platform, and found that there was no figure of Plittwitz, which made him frown involuntarily. Qin Tian undoubtedly knew the favorite of William II. It's just that almost all the generals of the 8th Army came, but he was missing. This made Qin Tian wonder whether the other party wanted to give him a blow!
"Why didn't you see General Prittwitz?" Qin Tian asked directly.
"His Royal Highness, General Plittwitz is not feeling well, and has already asked for leave to return to Berlin." General Mackensen replied.
"Ask for leave to go back to Berlin? Why didn't I know?" Qin Tian's expression suddenly turned ugly. As the commander of the 8th Army, Lieutenant General Prittwitz asked for leave, but he didn't know it at all. Isn't this obviously not taking him seriously?
"General Prittwitz should have asked for leave from the General Staff." General Francois said.
"Huh!" Qin Tian snorted coldly, but didn't say anything. However, Lieutenant General Prittwitz had already been sentenced to death in his heart. Qin Tian knew that Lieutenant General Prittwitz had a good relationship with little Mao Qi, who made them both the favorites of William II? However, if the other party dared not give him face, then don't blame him for using the other party for surgery. He has just succeeded as the commander of the 8th Army, which is the time when he needs to stand up. Since Prittwitz delivered it to his door, Qin Tian would certainly not be polite.
Admiral Hindenburg and Brigadier General Ludendorff don't look too good at the moment.