After collecting the weapons of the Italians, Walter Model did not detain the prisoners. There were 100,000 men on the other side, and keeping them would mean 100,000 mouths to feed, which he could not provide for.
So as soon as the Germans collected the weapons, they disbanded the Italian army and let them return home.
The Italians were disappointed—they had expected food and shelter—but seeing the German army ready for battle, with barrels staring like black holes, they wisely chose to leave. Fully armed, they had been a threat; now, unarmed, resistance would have meant certain death.
Watching the Italians leave, Model breathed a sigh of relief. He set up a defensive line against any surprise attacks and gathered the captured weapons before advancing toward Vienna.
Meanwhile, Colonel Mainz faced a more complicated situation on his side. While Model was focused on the front, Mainz received a telegram from Berlin:
"Colonel of the 1st Guards Infantry Regiment, Mainz von Lewinsky, distinguished himself in Austria. Promoted to Major General, awarded the Knight's Iron Cross with Diamond Oak Leaves and Swords."
The telegram came directly from Berlin, not Hamburg. Mainz frowned. Promotions and awards were traditionally the prerogative of Field Marshal Hindenburg. Could the Weimar Republic be trying to poach him to balance military power?
Mainz, a Junker nobleman with a strong military background and Hindenburg's mentorship, was cautious. He decided to send a telegram to Hindenburg to gauge his opinion.
Hindenburg, reviewing Mainz's telegram on his desk, smiled at General Seckert: "I knew this kid would write to me. You can rest assured, right?"
Seckert nodded. The Berlin telegram was deliberately sent to see Mainz's reaction—a test advised by Seckert to ensure Hindenburg's eventual successor would be capable and loyal.
Historically, Hindenburg later chose a very radical figure as successor—Hitler—but now, Mainz presented another viable candidate. Hindenburg wanted someone reliable to safeguard the army's traditions.
As expected, Mainz prioritized the army over political allure. Pleased, Hindenburg said: "Tell Colonel Mainz he may accept the award."
The Major General rank and Knight's Iron Cross with Diamond Oak Leaves and Swords were modest rewards. Had Hindenburg not feared jealousy from other officers, Mainz might even have been promoted to Lieutenant General. After all, in just one month, Mainz had defeated armies of five nations, subdued 200,000 enemies, and brought all of Austria—120,000 square kilometers and 12 million people—into the empire.
This victory not only restored German Empire losses from the First World War but left the empire with a surplus, while Austria's resources helped solve the empire's resource shortages.
When the telegram arrived in Vienna, Mainz was surprised and delighted. He had expected Hindenburg to prevent him from accepting Berlin's award. Instead, the Marshal's approval reflected absolute trust, recognition of his loyalty, and the freedom to use political opportunities for the future.
Hindenburg's maneuvering—subtle, calculated, and generous—was a masterstroke.