Part 7/12:
The chaos extended to the south and east of the Eastern Front. In Lutsk, Russian forces advanced to within 45 yards of the enemy trenches, forcing Austro-Hungarian commanders to abandon their positions. Their retreat stretched across a 75-kilometer corridor, with some units fleeing as far as the Styr River, leaving behind vast quantities of artillery and supplies.
Despite pleas for reinforcements from their German allies, Austrian military leaders struggled to halt the Russian advance. Field Marshal Conrad von Hötzendorf and German Chief of Staff Falkenhayn faced stark realities—their forces could not stop the stately Russian push. By July 7th, the entire front around Lutsk was unraveling; the Austro-Hungarian defenses dissolved, and over 38 artillery pieces were captured.