My War Memories, 1914-1918
far as Phck. Here once more we forestalled the Russian plans and made a thrust into their area of concentration.
Meanwhile, the German reinforcements had taken up their positions on the Xeidenburg-Willenberg front, the left wing of Galhutz's detachment. The situation seemed to promise that a fre^h attack in the direction of Prasnysz would dislodge the enemy troops facing the i;th R.C. A general advance of Gall-vvitz's detachment to the line of the Narew would then be possible. At that time this seemed important strategically. The attack against Osowiec and the Upper Bobr was still in progress. Even' local success achieved by General von Gall-\vitz improved the general position and our prospects for further engagements. We were in a state of great tension.
General von Galhvitz attacked on February 22nd, in the direction of Prasnysz, with portions of the lyth R.C., the ist R.C. and the 3rd Inf. Div. General von Morgen stormed this very strongly fortified town on the 24th. The situation was everywhere favourable when it was reported that strong Russian forces were advancing between the Ciechanov-Mlawa road and the Orshitz, and had already outflanked General von Morgen. Reconnoitring by means of aeroplanes was not possible in those days, and we were very poorly equipped as regards flying squadrons. Our cavalry patrols could not get through, and finally infantry outposts were in contact everywhere. On February 27th, in face of the attack by the Siberian Corps, Prasnysz had to be abandoned with very heavy losses on our side. General von Morgen retreated towards the Janow-Chorshele line, at the frontier. The Russians did not press on so hard to the north, but their attacks towards Mlawa were extremely vigorous.
The local commanders proposed to hold the frontier position in course of construction to the south of Neidenburg-Willenberg, but I made the ist Reserve Corps stand further south. Here, also, the fighting became very violent.
Up to March 7th the Russians attacked incessantly between Mlawa and Chorshele, and suffered very heavy losses, but in vain.