Chapter 200: The Fishhook
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Chapter 200: The Fishhook
Since the offer of surrender had been rejected, the only option left was to launch an attack.
In theory, the safest approach for an attack was to lay siege and wear down the enemy. The high ground was treacherous, and a direct assault would undoubtedly result in significant casualties. However, the high ground wasn't vast, and the defenders within couldn't stockpile many provisions. If the high ground were surrounded, it would only be a matter of time before the defenders ran out of supplies.
But there was a pressing concern time. Napoleon's Italian Legion was en route, and no one knew when they would arrive. Thus, the British and Prussian forces couldn't afford to wait.
However, an immediate attack was not feasible. The French forces in the vicinity kept launching counterattacks, trying to break through and link up with the high ground. So, the most urgent task for the coalition forces was not an immediate assault on the high ground, but rather securing their positions.
But securing those positions wasn't straightforward. The areas held by the coalition forces were within the firing range of the cannons on the high ground, making it perilous to engage in fortification work. Moreover, the French forces on the high ground had the advantage of high ground, allowing them to observe the various movements of the coalition forces below. Though there were no radios in that era, they could use signal flags and other means to transmit messages, making the coalition forces' defenses all the more precarious.
As a result, the coalition forces spent an entire day consolidating their siege around the high ground. The actual assault would have to wait for the following day.
"Has Napoleon arrived?" Joseph, unscathed, asked the liaison sent by Napoleon. "So, uh... where is the general at the moment?"
"He has reached Sainte-Menehould," the messenger replied.
"Very close," Joseph mused. "I estimate that tomorrow morning, the coalition forces will launch a general assault on the Number One Height. It should hold out for at least three days. You, take this letter back to Napoleon, and let him decide for himself."
Joseph referred to a letter, but in reality, it was a substantial package a weighty dossier. The messenger, accompanied by a cavalry escort, returned to Sainte-Menehould and delivered the package to Napoleon.
Napoleon opened the dossier, which contained detailed plans of the Verdun fortress's defenses and intelligence regarding the coalition forces' current deployments, as far as Joseph knew.
"What did Joseph say?" Napoleon inquired.
"General Joseph Bonaparte said that the British and Prussian coalition forces have taken the bait and are besieging the Number One Height. The Number One Height should be able to hold out for at least a week. As for how to counterattack, he leaves it to your discretion."
Napoleon meticulously examined the defensive maps and the information contained in the dossier. "Joseph had much to say," he commented.
These included heavy cannons, ranging from 12 to 24 pounds, as well as medium cannons of 8 and 6 pounds. The French had constructed fortifications to house these cannons, allowing them to effectively deploy canister shot to mow down coalition soldiers trapped behind barbed wire.
Naturally, the areas between the barbed wire were liberally scattered with landmines. Judging by the casualty rate of Prussian mobilized soldiers who had initiated the charge, the density of these mines was at least double what they had encountered in previous minefields.
Coupled with the high vantage point, the defenders on the high ground could effortlessly throw grenades to a distance of fifty meters. In contrast, the attackers would have to climb a significant elevation to match that range. Furthermore, the "grenade launchers" here could send grenades nearly a hundred meters extending beyond the reach of even the largest artillery canister shot.
Even if someone miraculously evaded these terrifying instruments and managed to continue forward, they would immediately confront more intimidating foes the claymore mines and flamethrowers.
Compared to these dangers, the detachments of Provost Guard behind them appeared almost adorable. After all, the Provost Guard was armed with rifles, necessitating the arduous process of reloading after each shot, which consumed precious time.
Consequently, the initial wave of soldiers quickly retreated, and skirmishes even broke out between some soldiers and the Provost Guard. Both sides exchanged gunfire relentlessly.
An entire day of assault resulted in over a thousand casualties, with little progress beyond some damage to the minefields and the barbed wire. That evening, the coalition forces dispatched personnel with explosives for a night raid, aiming to disrupt the enemy's barbed wire defenses. However, as they approached, they were detected by the guard dogs on the high ground and stumbled upon landmines. Chaos ensued, followed by nighttime skirmishes initiated by the outer French forces, which continued until dawn.
With the break of day, the coalition forces finally saw the results of their night raid. Some sections of the barbed wire on the high ground had been damaged, but the valiant French engineers promptly repaired them in the brief lulls between coalition attacks.
The coalition's heavy artillery initially fired solid shot at these engineers, but they remained undeterred, continuing to mend the barbed wire. Although some engineers were killed by artillery fire, the hit rate was too low for solid shot against such agile targets. Attempting to push the cannons closer for canister shot was less effective than having infantry charge.
So, the coalition soldiers were compelled to leave the safety of their trenches and rush at the French engineers. However, they immediately faced a barrage of grape shot from the French, which left many of them wounded. By the time they had reached a position where they could return fire on the French engineers, the cunning French had already ceased their work and retreated.
Subsequent attacks brought no significant changes, and the French resistance remained as fierce as it had been the previous day. It appeared that the high ground still held an abundance of ammunition. However, the time was running out for the coalition forces. They had come too far to turn back now, and the sunk costs were too high. Besides, perhaps another intense day of fighting would deplete the enemy's ammunition entirely after all, conscripts were cheap.
And so, wave after wave of Johns and Friedrichs fell before the barbed wire of Number One Height.
....
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Chapter 200: The Fishhook
Since the offer of surrender had been rejected, the only option left was to launch an attack.
In theory, the safest approach for an attack was to lay siege and wear down the enemy. The high ground was treacherous, and a direct assault would undoubtedly result in significant casualties. However, the high ground wasn't vast, and the defenders within couldn't stockpile many provisions. If the high ground were surrounded, it would only be a matter of time before the defenders ran out of supplies.
But there was a pressing concern time. Napoleon's Italian Legion was en route, and no one knew when they would arrive. Thus, the British and Prussian forces couldn't afford to wait.
However, an immediate attack was not feasible. The French forces in the vicinity kept launching counterattacks, trying to break through and link up with the high ground. So, the most urgent task for the coalition forces was not an immediate assault on the high ground, but rather securing their positions.
But securing those positions wasn't straightforward. The areas held by the coalition forces were within the firing range of the cannons on the high ground, making it perilous to engage in fortification work. Moreover, the French forces on the high ground had the advantage of high ground, allowing them to observe the various movements of the coalition forces below. Though there were no radios in that era, they could use signal flags and other means to transmit messages, making the coalition forces' defenses all the more precarious.
As a result, the coalition forces spent an entire day consolidating their siege around the high ground. The actual assault would have to wait for the following day.
"Has Napoleon arrived?" Joseph, unscathed, asked the liaison sent by Napoleon. "So, uh... where is the general at the moment?"
"He has reached Sainte-Menehould," the messenger replied.
"Very close," Joseph mused. "I estimate that tomorrow morning, the coalition forces will launch a general assault on the Number One Height. It should hold out for at least three days. You, take this letter back to Napoleon, and let him decide for himself."
Joseph referred to a letter, but in reality, it was a substantial package a weighty dossier. The messenger, accompanied by a cavalry escort, returned to Sainte-Menehould and delivered the package to Napoleon.
Napoleon opened the dossier, which contained detailed plans of the Verdun fortress's defenses and intelligence regarding the coalition forces' current deployments, as far as Joseph knew.
"What did Joseph say?" Napoleon inquired.
"General Joseph Bonaparte said that the British and Prussian coalition forces have taken the bait and are besieging the Number One Height. The Number One Height should be able to hold out for at least a week. As for how to counterattack, he leaves it to your discretion."
Napoleon meticulously examined the defensive maps and the information contained in the dossier. "Joseph had much to say," he commented.
These included heavy cannons, ranging from 12 to 24 pounds, as well as medium cannons of 8 and 6 pounds. The French had constructed fortifications to house these cannons, allowing them to effectively deploy canister shot to mow down coalition soldiers trapped behind barbed wire.
Naturally, the areas between the barbed wire were liberally scattered with landmines. Judging by the casualty rate of Prussian mobilized soldiers who had initiated the charge, the density of these mines was at least double what they had encountered in previous minefields.
Coupled with the high vantage point, the defenders on the high ground could effortlessly throw grenades to a distance of fifty meters. In contrast, the attackers would have to climb a significant elevation to match that range. Furthermore, the "grenade launchers" here could send grenades nearly a hundred meters extending beyond the reach of even the largest artillery canister shot.
Even if someone miraculously evaded these terrifying instruments and managed to continue forward, they would immediately confront more intimidating foes the claymore mines and flamethrowers.
Compared to these dangers, the detachments of Provost Guard behind them appeared almost adorable. After all, the Provost Guard was armed with rifles, necessitating the arduous process of reloading after each shot, which consumed precious time.
Consequently, the initial wave of soldiers quickly retreated, and skirmishes even broke out between some soldiers and the Provost Guard. Both sides exchanged gunfire relentlessly.
An entire day of assault resulted in over a thousand casualties, with little progress beyond some damage to the minefields and the barbed wire. That evening, the coalition forces dispatched personnel with explosives for a night raid, aiming to disrupt the enemy's barbed wire defenses. However, as they approached, they were detected by the guard dogs on the high ground and stumbled upon landmines. Chaos ensued, followed by nighttime skirmishes initiated by the outer French forces, which continued until dawn.
With the break of day, the coalition forces finally saw the results of their night raid. Some sections of the barbed wire on the high ground had been damaged, but the valiant French engineers promptly repaired them in the brief lulls between coalition attacks.
The coalition's heavy artillery initially fired solid shot at these engineers, but they remained undeterred, continuing to mend the barbed wire. Although some engineers were killed by artillery fire, the hit rate was too low for solid shot against such agile targets. Attempting to push the cannons closer for canister shot was less effective than having infantry charge.
So, the coalition soldiers were compelled to leave the safety of their trenches and rush at the French engineers. However, they immediately faced a barrage of grape shot from the French, which left many of them wounded. By the time they had reached a position where they could return fire on the French engineers, the cunning French had already ceased their work and retreated.
Subsequent attacks brought no significant changes, and the French resistance remained as fierce as it had been the previous day. It appeared that the high ground still held an abundance of ammunition. However, the time was running out for the coalition forces. They had come too far to turn back now, and the sunk costs were too high. Besides, perhaps another intense day of fighting would deplete the enemy's ammunition entirely after all, conscripts were cheap.
And so, wave after wave of Johns and Friedrichs fell before the barbed wire of Number One Height.
....
Hello there! We've just hit the fantastic milestone of 200 Chapters. Your invaluable feedback and ratings mean the world to me. Please take a moment to rate this novel at Novelupdate.Folloow current novÊls on nov/3lb((in).(co/m)
Chapter 200: The FishhookSince the offer of surrender had been rejected, the only option left was to launch an attack.In theory, the safest approach for an attack was to lay siege and wear down the enemy. The high ground was treacherous, and a direct assault would undoubtedly result in significant casualties. However, the high ground wasn't vast, and the defenders within couldn't stockpile many provisions. If the high ground were surrounded, it would only be a matter of time before the defenders ran out of supplies.But there was a pressing concern time. Napoleon's Italian Legion was en route, and no one knew when they would arrive. Thus, the British and Prussian forces couldn't afford to wait.However, an immediate attack was not feasible. The French forces in the vicinity kept launching counterattacks, trying to break through and link up with the high ground. So, the most urgent task for the coalition forces was not an immediate assault on the high ground, but rather securing their positions.But securing those positions wasn't straightforward. The areas held by the coalition forces were within the firing range of the cannons on the high ground, making it perilous to engage in fortification work. Moreover, the French forces on the high ground had the advantage of high ground, allowing them to observe the various movements of the coalition forces below. Though there were no radios in that era, they could use signal flags and other means to transmit messages, making the coalition forces' defenses all the more precarious.As a result, the coalition forces spent an entire day consolidating their siege around the high ground. The actual assault would have to wait for the following day."Has Napoleon arrived?" Joseph, unscathed, asked the liaison sent by Napoleon. "So, uh... where is the general at the moment?""He has reached Sainte-Menehould," the messenger replied."Very close," Joseph mused. "I estimate that tomorrow morning, the coalition forces will launch a general assault on the Number One Height. It should hold out for at least three days. You, take this letter back to Napoleon, and let him decide for himself."Joseph referred to a letter, but in reality, it was a substantial package a weighty dossier. The messenger, accompanied by a cavalry escort, returned to Sainte-Menehould and delivered the package to Napoleon.Napoleon opened the dossier, which contained detailed plans of the Verdun fortress's defenses and intelligence regarding the coalition forces' current deployments, as far as Joseph knew."What did Joseph say?" Napoleon inquired."General Joseph Bonaparte said that the British and Prussian coalition forces have taken the bait and are besieging the Number One Height. The Number One Height should be able to hold out for at least a week. As for how to counterattack, he leaves it to your discretion."Napoleon meticulously examined the defensive maps and the information contained in the dossier. "Joseph had much to say," he commented.These included heavy cannons, ranging from 12 to 24 pounds, as well as medium cannons of 8 and 6 pounds. The French had constructed fortifications to house these cannons, allowing them to effectively deploy canister shot to mow down coalition soldiers trapped behind barbed wire.Naturally, the areas between the barbed wire were liberally scattered with landmines. Judging by the casualty rate of Prussian mobilized soldiers who had initiated the charge, the density of these mines was at least double what they had encountered in previous minefields.Coupled with the high vantage point, the defenders on the high ground could effortlessly throw grenades to a distance of fifty meters. In contrast, the attackers would have to climb a significant elevation to match that range. Furthermore, the "grenade launchers" here could send grenades nearly a hundred meters extending beyond the reach of even the largest artillery canister shot.Even if someone miraculously evaded these terrifying instruments and managed to continue forward, they would immediately confront more intimidating foes the claymore mines and flamethrowers.Compared to these dangers, the detachments of Provost Guard behind them appeared almost adorable. After all, the Provost Guard was armed with rifles, necessitating the arduous process of reloading after each shot, which consumed precious time.Consequently, the initial wave of soldiers quickly retreated, and skirmishes even broke out between some soldiers and the Provost Guard. Both sides exchanged gunfire relentlessly.An entire day of assault resulted in over a thousand casualties, with little progress beyond some damage to the minefields and the barbed wire. That evening, the coalition forces dispatched personnel with explosives for a night raid, aiming to disrupt the enemy's barbed wire defenses. However, as they approached, they were detected by the guard dogs on the high ground and stumbled upon landmines. Chaos ensued, followed by nighttime skirmishes initiated by the outer French forces, which continued until dawn.With the break of day, the coalition forces finally saw the results of their night raid. Some sections of the barbed wire on the high ground had been damaged, but the valiant French engineers promptly repaired them in the brief lulls between coalition attacks.The coalition's heavy artillery initially fired solid shot at these engineers, but they remained undeterred, continuing to mend the barbed wire. Although some engineers were killed by artillery fire, the hit rate was too low for solid shot against such agile targets. Attempting to push the cannons closer for canister shot was less effective than having infantry charge.So, the coalition soldiers were compelled to leave the safety of their trenches and rush at the French engineers. However, they immediately faced a barrage of grape shot from the French, which left many of them wounded. By the time they had reached a position where they could return fire on the French engineers, the cunning French had already ceased their work and retreated.Subsequent attacks brought no significant changes, and the French resistance remained as fierce as it had been the previous day. It appeared that the high ground still held an abundance of ammunition. However, the time was running out for the coalition forces. They had come too far to turn back now, and the sunk costs were too high. Besides, perhaps another intense day of fighting would deplete the enemy's ammunition entirely after all, conscripts were cheap.And so, wave after wave of Johns and Friedrichs fell before the barbed wire of Number One Height.....Hello there! We've just hit the fantastic milestone of 200 Chapters. Your invaluable feedback and ratings mean the world to me. Please take a moment to rate this novel at Novelupdate.Folloow current novEls on nov/3lbin.co/m
