German cavalry advance during the Second Battle of the Masurian Lakes, also known as the Winter Battle of the Masurian Lakes. This was part of Hindenberg&#039;s plan to push Russia back beyond the Vistula river with the aim of forcing Russia out of the war and bringing about the end of the war on the Eastern Front. The battle began in a heavy snowstorm on 7 February 1915. By the 22 February, Russian forces had suffered severe losses of troops and territory, but had succeeded in halting the German progress short of their aims. Date: February 1915 (Mary Evans Picture Library) | Nur für redaktionelle Verwendung., Keine Weitergabe an Wiederverkäufer.