It stated that the Germans were (supposedly) in a retreat towards Tannenberg and detailed his plans to follow them.

Hoffman has the two messages in hand, but Ludendorff was skeptical of the messages fearing that they were trap, but Hindenburg, knowing of the personal quarrel of the two Russians, was more likely to believe the messages..

Francois was reluctant to attack without artillery support, and delayed his attack until August 27th. His attack enjoyed success pushing the Russians back to Soldau. His actions cut off Samsonov's forces keeping them in the centre.

Ludendorff ordered Francois to move North, but Francois moved East, this action countermanded his direct orders, but contributed to the defeat of the Russians. This move cut off the retreating Samsonov.

Helmuth von Moltke

was of the opinion that the Russians might overwhelm Ludendorff in the East, and contacted Ludendorff and stated that he was sending a cavalry...
[ View Full Essay]