A. Michailovsky

“ The result was a Russian victory. Such a movement, however, was possible because of superiority in numbers, coupled with efficient artillery fire.
This movement of mass formation is one of the lessons that the Germans learned from Napoleon and applied to the needs of modern warfare. Like the great Corsican, the modern German strategists believe in the effectiveness of concentrated artillery fire. Their infantry is rarely used for direct attack. It is sent into action only after the artillery fire has prepared a way for it by demolishing the enemy's defenses. The infantry completes the blow. ”

“ At times, of course, they suffer setbacks, or meet with resistance that makes absolute perfection impossible. But the organization of the German armies is such that the retreat, unless cut off, which happens very rarely, is executed very rapidly, as they possess excellent facilities for moving back their artillery. The retreat of the troops, unencumbered by artillery, is a matter of no great difficulty. This explains why there are so few German prisoners of war in Russia, as compared with the Austrians captured. ”

“ Each regiment is recognized as having its own traditions and forming a compact body, which, in action, resembles a mailed fist. In order to achieve this result, it is necessary to fill the ranks of each regiment just as soon as they become thinned out, and to continue pouring into its ranks new material, which becomes rapidly assimilated. ”

“ Against them are also four Russian companies, in trenches. The Russians usually have one machine gun for each two companies; the Germans have as many as they need. Now, suppose that three of the German companies are needed in some other part of the battle front. ”