Lyubachev battles, May-June of 1915

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Lyubachev is a city in southeastern Poland (eastern Galicia, on the Lyubachevka river), in the area of ​​which in May - June 1915 two battles took place between the Russian troops of the South-Western Front and the Austro-German forces.





1) 19 - 22 May 1915 - the advance of the 3 and 8 armies of the Southwestern Front at the second stage of the Gorlitsky operation 19. 04. - 10. 06. 1915

2) 30 of May - 3 of June 1915 was a defensive battle of the 3 and 8 armies at the third stage of the Gorlitsky operation.

During the fighting at Sana'a 1 - 15 on May 1915, the front troops lost bridgeheads on the left bank of the river, and also significantly lost their positions on the right bank of this natural frontier of defense (see battles for Yaroslav and Radymno; list at the end of the article) During the battle on the river. The Sun Command of the Southwestern Front made another attempt to turn the tide. The offensive of the Russian 3 Army was of particular importance in light of the increasing pressure of the German 11 Army and the Austrian 2 Army against the fortress of Przemysl, which was being defended by the troops of the Russian 8 Army. It was necessary to divert the attention of the enemy from this strategic object.



Promising design


The Russian High Command is concentrating additional forces on the Southwestern Front. As a reserve of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the 2 Caucasus (concentration point - Khodorov) and 23th (concentration point - Lviv) army corps were transferred. These formations were to become the core of the new army, the maneuver of which could reverse the unfavorable operational and strategic situation that developed on the South-Western Front as a result of the Gorlitsky breakthrough.

The commander-in-chief of the armies of the North-Western Front, the infantry general M.V. Alekseev believed that one should not miss the time necessary to put in order the 3 army, one should also take advantage of the entry into the Italian war - and begin actions not private, but general values. It is necessary to go on the offensive on the left bank of the river. Wisla, having organized the strike in such a way that, having defeated the opposing enemy troops, seriously threatened the flank and rear of the enemy forces operating on the river. San. The 3 Army needs to be strengthened at the expense of the extreme left flank of the general strategic front, where it makes no sense to continue the offensive - unless in order for the 3 Army to be able to maintain its position. Reinforcements must be sent to the front of Ilzh - Opatov - Sandomir, forming here a new army of 5 corps. Deployed on the Radom - Sandomierz front (the main forces south of the mountainous and wooded area - on the Ostrovets - Sandomir section), this army must deliver a decisive blow along the Vistula.


M.V. Alekseev


The enemy offensive on the river. San 11 of May (see Radymno) thwarted this plan. And, given that the position of the Russian troops in Sana'a and the Przemysl region was very serious, the Headquarters believed that, first of all, Galicia should be kept behind as much as possible. Thus, the “space retention” strategy prevailed over the maneuver strategy. All this had far-reaching adverse operational-strategic consequences.

In an effort to wrest the initiative from the hands of the enemy and taking into account the critical situation of the Russian troops at the Przemysl fortress, the concentration of significant enemy forces in the Yaroslav region and the enemy’s active operations against the left flank of the 8 Army, the commander of the South-Western Front, artillery general N. I. Ivanov ordered his the army on the night of May 19 "attack the enemy, defeat and throw him away, trying to get the main forces on the line Baranuv - Rzeszow - Dubetsko - Khirov - Koziuvka - Vyshkov - Korosmeza - Bystrin - Brodil - Kimpolung."


N. I. Ivanov


The reserve of the High Command was used - the 2-th Caucasian and 23-th army corps (assigned to the 8-th army), which was introduced into the battle between pp Lyubachevka and Cherry. During the offensive operation against Lyubachev, this group inflicted a major blow on the enemy’s grouping, which bypassed the right flank of the 8 Army and surrounded Przemysl.

The 3 Army, providing itself to the right (from the Vistula River), was supposed to contribute to it — to enter the Yaroslav-Rzeszow line on the right flank. Accordingly, the main strike on the front of the 3 Army was carried out by its right-flank corps (9 Army, 10 Army and 14 Army), which, going with their right shoulders, went to the Rzeszow - Przhevorsk line, and had to operate on the flank and rear enemy defensive line along the river. San. The 15 Army Corps was supposed to cover the strike group. In fact, with the forces of the 9, 10, 14, 15 army corps, the army attacked the front and the left flank of the opposing enemy group.

The 24, 29 and 3 Caucasian army corps of the 3 Army performed a passive task. With an energetic offensive, they had to shackle the enemy, not allowing him to transfer forces from the front of Yaroslav-Senyav.

The 4th Horse Corps, as soon as a tactical breakthrough was formed, was supposed to advance between the 9 and 15 army corps and rush to the rear of the main enemy group. The general direction of movement of the cavalry is on Boyaniv - Kolbushev.

The main enemy of the troops of the Russian 3 Army were the units of the Austro-Hungarian 4 Army: the 9 Army Corps (the 10 Army Infantry Division and the 106 Mountain Land Brigade); 14th Army Corps (3th and 8th Infantry Divisions); Austrian consolidated, 21-I infantry, 37-I and 41-I persecuted infantry divisions; German 47-I reserve division; 11 I Cavalry Division, part of the 2 Cavalry Division.

Corps strike


On the night of May 19, the corps of the Russian 3 Army went on the offensive.

15-th Army Corps occupied the village. Kaimuv, Otsice, Sulikov, but the hurricane artillery fire stopped his progress. The weakness of their own heavy artillery was the most important factor hindering the success of this formation. It was possible after a stubborn battle to seize the northern outskirts of villages. Vija. Attempts by the Germans to attack the left flank of the corps were repelled. Toward the end of the operation - on the night of May 21 - a stubborn battle was fought on the Vija-Kravets line.

Lyubachev battles, May-June of 1915


The 9 Army Corps was successful in capturing two lines of enemy trenches. But the left flank of the compound met stubborn resistance - and he failed to advance. But the German counterattacks were repulsed. On May 20 in the area of ​​Verkhole - Podvolina - Borovina during the brilliant attack of the 42 Infantry Division, the Austrian division was defeated, guns, machine guns and a significant number of prisoners were captured.

The cavalry was introduced into the breakthrough. The military journal of the 20 Don Cossack Regiment (3 I Don Cossack Division of the 4 Horse Corps) reports: “At 2 at midnight, from 20 to 21 on May, the regiment made an alarm out of s. Maltse to Nisko as part of the 1-th brigade to develop the success of the infantry, knocking the enemy out of position with Nisko. On p. Novoselyets was sent a detachment of cornet Timoshchenkov Pavel, who, having caught the rear guard of a retreating enemy, attacked the Austrians in captivity 20. From Novoselyets, the regiment was moved around in Zalesye, but stumbled upon a fortified position near Zalesye. Having taken the position of the 1, 3, and 4, hundreds of regiments engaged in fire combat with the enemy and stopped his work to improve his trenches. "



Russian infantry and cavalry pursued the enemy in the direction of Novoselyets. On the 21 of May, the 9th Army Corps advanced along the entire front and occupied the front of Mazarne - Novoselice - Kosice.

The 14th Army Corps took possession of the villages. Struza - and the enemy hastily retreated. The right flank of the junction contributed to the left flank of the 9 body. Having captured Strus, parts of the corps launched an offensive on the ground. The mine, having also taken possession of it. The Rudnik - Zarzhiny section was the most promising for the subsequent development of success, but the lack of reserves did not allow to expand the offensive. On the night of the 21, the corps advanced south of places. The mine and went to Novoseltsy. The offensive continued - on 22 on May they managed to take possession of the villages. Groble. For 19 - 20 on May corps trophies amounted to 32 officers, 2683 lower ranks, 10 machine guns and a searchlight (including the 18 I infantry division captured 20 officers, 1902 lower ranks and 6 infantry 70 divisions 12 infantry , 781 lower rank, 4 machine gun and spotlight). An order was received - on the night of May 23, the offensive should be suspended and consolidated.

The 10 Army Corps was confronted with heavily fortified enemy positions with powerful wire fences. However, the advanced parts of the body crossed to the left bank of the river. San, having mastered the farm and advanced enemy trenches. On the night of May 21, Tarnogura and Zarzhiny took control. Enemy attacks were repelled. Then the corps, having met with strong resistance, switched to defense.

The 3-th Caucasian Army Corps, also meeting stubborn resistance of the enemy, crossed to the left bank of the river. Lyubachevka. The onset of the compound was hampered by heavy artillery fire. Focusing on the left bank of the river. Lyubachevka, parts of the corps carried out an unsuccessful attack - and with great losses they went over the river.

The 24 Army Corps, having met stubborn resistance of the enemy in a strongly fortified position, could not achieve tactical success. Some units crossed to the left bank of the river. Lyubachevka, but their attempts to go on the offensive were unsuccessful, and the corps remained at the starting lines. The artillery officer recalled how the infantry was melting like a wax candle among the infernal bonfires. In such an environment, and artillery work became incredibly difficult. Gunners all the time occupied the most risky positions. All observation posts were either directly in front of the infantry trenches or in front of them. All the time I had to deal with a huge amount of heavy and heaviest artillery. The Germans were the enemy all the time. And all the time the team worked with great dedication.

The 29-th Army Corps took possession of a strongly fortified position at the places. Tsetula (on the right flank of the compound, while the left flank advanced less successfully). Under the influence of enemy artillery fire, the right flank of the corps had to retreat to their original positions. Parts of the left flank captured the height of 204 north of places. Fuses. On the 20 of May, the right flank of the compound again occupied the 186 height (north of Cetula), but on the night of the 21 of May it was necessary to leave the 204 height and move back to the starting positions.

During the Lyubachev fights in the 3 Army, there was a lack of heavy artillery and ammunition. Already on the 18 of May (that is, even before the offensive), the Supreme Commander categorically demanded to save the ammunition available in the troops.

To be continued ...
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18 comments
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  1. +10
    5 October 2019 06: 59
    N. I. Ivanov

    Ivanov Nikolai Judovich, general. Veteran of the Russian-Turkish war (!). RYAV, PMV, war with usurpers of power. Died at a combat post.

    For services to the Fatherland, he was awarded officer Georgy 4, 3, 2 degrees, twice-Golden Weapon "for bravery", many other orders of Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Great Britain, France (three times-Order of the Legion of Honor).

    A real Russian officer and patriot.

    Verily "In my name, the whole of Russia holds!" ("The Living and the Dead").

    Thanks to the author for reminding me of great events and great people.
    1. -2
      6 October 2019 11: 49
      Quote: Olgovich
      "All Russia holds on to my name!" ("The Living and the Dead").

      You wouldn’t drag Simonov here, an apologist for crunching with a French bun.
      1. 0
        6 October 2019 13: 03
        Quote: IS-80_RVGK2
        You wouldn’t drag Simonov here, an apologist for crunching with a French bun.

        with your tips to the tips lol
        1. -2
          6 October 2019 18: 17
          Quote: Olgovich
          with your tips to the tips

          This is not advice.
  2. +13
    5 October 2019 08: 42
    We see that the Russian command did not come to terms with the seizure of the initiative by the enemy, it fights long and hard.
    Trying to take over this initiative again.
    As befits the generals of a great power
    1. +11
      5 October 2019 09: 09
      Of the two Lyubachev battles, one is offensive
      And this is correct by the way, because only by active actions can we try to influence the ongoing offensive of the enemy. History teaches this.
      Passive defense gives nothing here
      1. +10
        5 October 2019 09: 55
        only by active actions can we try to influence the ongoing offensive of the enemy.

        I read very interesting calculations about this by Isaev
  3. +12
    5 October 2019 09: 11
    The weakness of the 3rd Army and the lack of ammunition certainly did not benefit the offensive
    1. +10
      5 October 2019 09: 56
      Weakness of the 3rd Army

      from the Gorlitsky breakthrough did not go out of battle, and before that the Carpathian and Galician battles
      1. +11
        5 October 2019 10: 39
        One of the most fighting armies
  4. +11
    5 October 2019 12: 56
    Epic events. The 1915 campaign is one of the most terrible and glorious in the history of the Russian army.
    Heroes! Not we
  5. +11
    5 October 2019 16: 35
    Alekseev is certainly a talented strategist, and has done a lot.
    Especially during the Great Departure, the summer campaign 15 is his finest hour, so to speak
    Competent uncle
    1. +5
      6 October 2019 11: 33
      I read about Alekseev before. He is in 100 great commanders of Russia. The greatest mind.
      Also read about how Guchkov and Rodzianko are against him.
      I also read that the archive of the general’s family is now in Russia. True, I did not find out how anyone works with this archive. These are the most important historical materials.
  6. +9
    6 October 2019 19: 51
    interesting article, we look forward to continuing.
    1. +2
      7 October 2019 13: 34
      Quote: Kapitan A
      interesting article, we look forward to continuing.

      Reading articles about the 1MB, respected Alekay Vladimirovich, I always think that it’s good that there is such a cycle and I always know that I couldn’t manage to start this big and serious topic and understand it. Also, the comments of those who have long been interested and have knowledge ---- really help. Sincerely.
  7. +4
    7 October 2019 08: 48
    Very informative. I read regularly, albeit at work.
  8. -2
    14 October 2019 10: 08
    I read this article with great interest. The fact is that my grandfather took part in these battles as part of the 238th Vetluzhsky Infantry Regiment of the 60th Infantry Division of the 3rd Army. Unfortunately, the regiment’s Journal of Military Operations was interrupted on May 24, 1915, and again resumed on August 7, 1915. I will wait for the continuation, because for me the first half of June 1915 is of great interest.
    In my opinion, the article made a mistake. Periodically, the 2nd or 3rd Caucasian Army Corps is mentioned. The 3rd Caucasian Army Corps from April 2), 1915 to February 1, 1916 joined the 3rd Army of the South-Western Front, and the 2nd Caucasian Army in the 10th Army of the North-Western Front in the Augustow Forests near Grodno . From 1911 to the summer of 1914, my grandfather served in the 202nd Gori Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Caucasian Army Corps in Kutaisi Georgia, and from August 1914 in the 238th Regiment in the Carpathians.
    1. +2
      14 October 2019 18: 19
      You already got out with this stupidity in the next article of the cycle.
      We'll have to explain again.
      In my opinion, the article made a mistake.
      No mistakes, especially in these matters.
      The author is a professional.
      Periodically, the 2nd or 3rd Caucasian Army Corps is mentioned.

      Yes, they both participated in these events. 3rd AS - yes, in the 3rd army.
      and the 2nd Caucasian in the 10th Army of the Northwest Front in the Augustow Forests near Grodno.

      So this is only during the First August operation, which you recently mastered, despite the fact that articles about this operation with battle schedules have long been published in the military. The first August operation was September 1914. And the 2nd AS was in its composition only in August - October 1914 and then only in August 1915 - December 1917. During the period considered in this article, the corps was located where indicated in the article - taking part in the battles near Lyubachev. Check out the memoirs of Brusilov and Lieutenant Popov.
      And here is an excerpt from the combat memo of a regiment that was part of the 2nd Caucasian Corps.


      We see that he acted where indicated in the article.
      So don’t slander.
      And do not disgrace, reporting that during this period the 10th army allegedly operated in the August forests.
      You confuse SEPTEMBER 1914 with MAY 1915
  9. The comment was deleted.

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