Chapter 293： Battle of Deva (2)

In the current situation where Germany and Bulgaria are unable to send reinforcements in a short period of time, Austria-Hungary can only face Romania's offensive alone. However, the good news for Austria-Hungary is that Romania's general mobilization has only begun, and there is still time to mobilize reinforcements to remedy it. For the Austro-Hungarian army in Transylvania, the most important thing now is to block the offensive of the Romanian army, especially Deva, which has rail traffic with Romania, is the top priority.

Of course, the Austro-Hungarian defenders currently stationed in Deva will not sit still when facing the Romanian offensive. When Petroşani was raided, the 17th Division of the Austro-Hungarian Army (Hungarian Division) stationed in Deva had been mobilized urgently, and the first reinforcements were dispatched within an hour.

The command of the 10th Army in the area under the jurisdiction of the capital Cluj (established in July 17 to prevent Romania, the commander is Lieutenant General Sam Haza), also immediately sent reinforcements from two divisions to Deva.

The response of the Austro-Hungarian army was not unpleasant, but for the 35th Division of the Austro-Hungarian Army that was raided, it still failed to wait for reinforcements. When the lead of the 17th Division was 10 kilometers away from Petrosani, the 35th Division was driven out of Petrosani.

It was defeated at 35 in less than a day. This result made the 17th division commander Major General Stepan jealous. Therefore, after responding to the defeated 35th Division, the 17th Division chose to wait for reinforcements in Hategg, 20 kilometers away from Petrosani, for the sake of stability.

Commander Stepan's decision relieved Lieutenant General Ankodar, commander of the Romanian Guards First Division who had just captured Petrosani. Because it was a surprise attack, the first division of the Imperial Guard did not carry a lot of ammunition, and during the raid, in order to ensure the success rate of the capture, the first division of the Imperial Guard increased the use of firepower density. Therefore, after the Austro-Hungarian army was driven out of Petrosani, the remaining ammunition was not much. Fortunately, the previous performance of the First Division frightened the opponent.

Fortunately, the First Division of the Guards was supplemented with ammunition that night, and the reinforcements from the 6th and 19th Division also arrived at Petrosani the next day, and its commander, Major General Dortrid, arrived with the first army. After crossing the streets where the smoke had not yet been put out, Major General Dotrid came to the command post of the First Division in a small manor in Petrosani.

"Your 19th Division has arrived, and we don't have to worry about the Austro-Hungarian counterattack."

At the entrance of the manor, Lieutenant General Ankodar, commander of the First Division of the Guard, enthusiastically greeted Major General Dortrid.

"It's still that your first division is powerful, and it took only half a day to defeat a division. This kind of combat power is an example that we should learn from."

The two commanders caught each other and exaggerated, but Major General Dotrid was only because of the enthusiasm of Lieutenant General Ankodar. Although he could not see why the Lieutenant General would be so enthusiastic to him, who would not say good things. It. And Lieutenant Ankodar does have other reasons.

Soon the two division commanders walked into the headquarters with their own officers. After disengaging their respective officers, Lieutenant General Ankodar really stated his purpose.

"Major General Dortrid, do you want to do something big."

Lieutenant General Ankodar's straightforward words moved Major General Dotrid's heart. "what's the plan?"

Lieutenant General Ankodar walked to the front of the battle map and pointed to the location of Hateg. "The enemy in front of us is the 17th and 35th divisions of Austria-Hungary. Among them, the 35th division has a lot of casualties. Austria-Hungary also has an infantry regiment in Deva. According to intelligence, the enemy transferred two divisions from Cluj, but they also It will take three days to reach Deva."

While Lieutenant General Ankodar breathed a sigh of relief, Major General Dotrid interrupted. "Do you want to take advantage of these three days to defeat the Austro-Hungarian army in Hateg, and capture Deva before the arrival of enemy reinforcements?"

Major General Dotrid said what was in his heart, and Lieutenant General Ankodar said in surprise. "Yes, the purpose of the first stage of our Army Group South is to take down Deva. If we wait until the army gathers, we will be able to achieve the goal, but we will not be able to show the first advantage. So this is a fighter plane specially prepared for us. We will regret it if we give up."

The words of Lieutenant General Ankodar made Major General Dortrid not help speaking. "But there are only three days, which is too demanding for us, so this battle is not easy to fight at all."

Hearing that Major General Dortrid was scrupulous about three days, Lieutenant General Ankodar continued to explain. "This plan is a bit risky, but high risks bring high returns. As long as we can win Deva alone, we will be the best in this battle."

The words of Lieutenant General Ankodar's instigation made Major General Dotride unable to help but think about it. "I want to think about it."

Major General Dotrid's hesitation caused Lieutenant Ankodar to say anxiously. "The opportunity is fleeting, you have to hurry up."

Major General Dortried knew that if the information was correct, it was indeed an opportunity for the two of them. He and the two divisions of Lieutenant General Ankodar faced the two divisions of Austria and Hungary, and he was still very confident. And this is a temporary fighter, it is impossible to wait for the above approval, so they need to make their own decisions.

Major General Dotrid can also be regarded as a good general in the Romanian army, but unfortunately the bad luck did not perform well in the second Balkan War, so the first expansion after the end of the war failed. Become a teacher (in the Romanian army, the evaluation of the divisions before the First World War and the divisions after the First World War is different, and the status of the division is also different.). So Major General Dortrid wanted to make a result for his colleagues to see, and Lieutenant General Ankodar's plan moved him.

Major General Dortried asked what he was most worried about. "What if we attack Hateg and the enemy in the direction of Sibiu attack Petrosani?"

Sibiu is 55 kilometers northeast of Petrosani, UU reading and Deva and Hateg are in the northwest. The 51st and 63rd divisions of the Austro-Hungarian army are stationed in Sibiu. . If he and Lieutenant General Ankodar attack Hateg with all their strength, the enemy in Sibiu will definitely send troops to flanking him, so he can't help but guard.

Lieutenant General Ankodar pointed to a military map, and he spoke about a location 10 kilometers away from Petrosani. "For the enemy in Sibiu, I think so, leaving a brigade of troops here to defend the enemy from Sibiu."

Major General Dotrid, through the map, saw that the location pointed to by Lieutenant General Ankodar was an unnamed highland with valleys on both sides. A small village named Petrila was also marked on a flat ground next to the high ground.

Lieutenant General Ankodar said his intention to defend here. "I not only checked this place from a military map, but also specifically asked locals. They told me where to go to Sibiu only to pass. Considering the advantages of the terrain, I chose this place."

Lieutenant General Ankodar's words convinced him, and Major General Dortrid played a small ninety-nine. "Which brigade to send?"

As if seeing through the meaning of Major General Dotrid's words, Lieutenant General Ankodar spoke in a magnificent manner. "Considering the importance of this position, I decided to leave my 2nd brigade defending here."