Germans abandon their offensive on the Niemen
- Category:
- Military operations
- Front:
- Eastern Front
- Date:
- 29 September 1914
- Author:
- Łukasz Skowroń
- Battle:
- Fighting on the Niemen
- Tags:
- East Prussia, Russia, Germany, Kingdom of Poland
On 29 September 1914, according to the British chronicle of the war, the Germans abandoned their offensive on the Niemen. The German Eighth Army of General Richard von Schubert, which a few days earlier had tried to cross to the east bank of the river, began to withdraw towards the border of East Prussia.
Failed crossings
After the Battle of the Masurian Lakes the Germans entered Russian territory and occupied part of the Suwałki Governorate. At the end of September their units tried to force the Niemen in the area of Druskieniki and Sopoćkinie near Grodno, and further north, between Olita and Kovno. On the river, however, the Russians had the new 10th Army of General Vasily Flug, clearly more numerous than Schubert’s weakened army. Most of the German forces had earlier been sent to Silesia, to the new Ninth Army, which was preparing for an offensive in the Kingdom of Poland. The crossings failed, and the units that had reached the other bank were thrown back.
Counter-attack in the Augustów Forest
The decisive factor proved to be a Russian manoeuvre on the southern wing. The corps of the 10th Army advanced through the Augustów Forest, threatening to cut off the German units standing on the Niemen. According to some studies, the command of the Eighth Army had already ordered a retreat from the bend of the river towards Suwałki on 26 September. The Russians retook Augustów on 27 or 28 September after heavy fighting in the forests, and at the beginning of October entered Suwałki. In the literature this stage of the fighting is called the Battle of Augustów or the first Augustów operation. Its dates are given differently, most often from the end of September to 3–5 October.
In mid-October the Russians again stood on the border of East Prussia and entered the eastern edges of the province. Schubert lost his command on 8 October. The Suwałki region remained in Russian hands until February 1915, when the Germans destroyed the 10th Army in the Second Battle of the Masurian Lakes, and the fighting once more swept through the Augustów Forest.
Remember the articles you have read? Only in this browser; nothing is sent anywhere.How it works
Read ·
Spotted a mistake?Report an error
Meanwhile
(04)Elsewhere in the same days.
- 28 September 1914 · Western FrontFirst markings on German aircraftAt the end of September 1914 it was noted that German aircraft bore black crosses. The markings were meant to protect airmen from their own troops' fire.
- 28 September 1914 · Western FrontGermans occupy MechelenOn 28 September 1914, in the first days of the siege of Antwerp, the Germans took Mechelen, the city of Belgium's archbishops, shelled since August.
- 27 September 1914 · Western FrontFirst Battle of Artois beginsOn 27 September 1914 the Race to the Sea reached Artois. The French and Germans began fighting for Arras, Lens and the heights that shaped the front for years.
- 27 September 1914 · Western FrontSiege of Antwerp beginsOn 27 September 1914 the Germans began the siege of Antwerp, Belgium's last fortress. The next day heavy mortars began to smash the outer forts.
Related events
(04)The same battle, people or subject.
- 25 September 1914 · Eastern FrontFighting on the Niemen beginsOn 25 September 1914 the German 8th Army attacked Russian positions on the Niemen between Grodno and Kovno, with fighting around Druskieniki and Grodno.
- 15 September 1914 · Eastern FrontEnd of the Battle of the Masurian LakesOn 15 September 1914 the Battle of the Masurian Lakes ended. Rennenkampf's Russian 1st Army, beaten but not encircled, withdrew from East Prussia.
- 5 September 1914 · Eastern FrontBattle of the Masurian Lakes beginsAt the beginning of September 1914 Hindenburg's German Eighth Army moved against Rennenkampf's Russian First Army. The Battle of the Masurian Lakes began.
- 31 August 1914 · Eastern FrontBattle of Tannenberg endsOn 31 August 1914 Hindenburg reported to the Kaiser the destruction of the Russian 2nd Army. Over 90,000 Russians were captured and Samsonov was dead.