107 – Francois’ Eastern Expedition (4)
When I so boldly presented my opinion to Captain Patton, who had been awarded 4 stars, all eyes around me were focused on me.
Looking at the current situation, since 10,000 enemy troops have entered Chavennes Castle, they can attack us after passing through the castle at any time.
A big variable has arisen in the strategy of the castle’s defenders looting and advancing according to the strategy, so everyone has to wrap their heads around it and think about it.
You can’t help but be surprised that he said he would come up with a proper plan in an instant.
“I won’t criticize you as long as your opinion is not too absurd, so go ahead and say it.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
Having said that, I pointed with my baton at the map of Chavennes Castle and the surrounding area posted on the bulletin board in the conference barracks.
“First of all, among all the generals in our Eastern Expeditionary Force, I don’t think there is anyone who would suggest an operation to attack Chavennes Castle.”
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Everyone nodded at those words.
Because we are now moving diagonally east of François along the border of the empire, so we can receive sufficient supplies from the empire through other routes besides Chavennes Castle.
On the way to the Crecy Plain where we will fight against the enemy, we can obtain some food by robbing villages.
For reasons of supply, there is no need to make efforts to capture Chavennes Castle.
In such a situation, even if we were 5 to 6 times more numerous than the enemy, there was no guarantee that we would succeed in the siege and take over the castle.
Even if you succeed, if you attack a castle with over 10,000 defenders stationed there, you are bound to lose at least thousands of soldiers.
“So, if we go by the rule of thumb, if we are scattered far away in brigade units, we could be individually defeated by 10,000 soldiers of the Francois Republic. Even if we reduce the number of villages being plundered by half, it would be better to act as a single division unit and avoid incurring unnecessary losses.”
If this happens, the area of villages and regions that can be plundered will be reduced by half, and the damage that can be inflicted on the enemy will be reduced.
Then, later, when I became involved in post-war negotiations as a brigadier general, it became difficult to suggest that instead of paying war reparations, we would give up the eastern region for reconstruction, without knowing how long it would take.
The advance route we assumed encompassed the entire village that could provide at least a minimum of local supplies to the large army of the Francois Republic.
If the looting range is reduced by half, it means that their food supply situation will improve accordingly.
If this happens, the soldiers’ physical strength and morale will decrease, which could hinder their ability to achieve victory.
“In my opinion, rather than doing that, it seems better to have those 10,000 defenders voluntarily burst out of the castle gates and achieve victory before a full-scale battle begins.”
After hearing those words, Commander Patton looked at me and spoke in a serious voice.
“Well, if we just set up some bait to catch those guys, they have no choice but to do whatever we want. So what are you planning to do to bring them out?”
If Count Benner or other generals were here, they would have said this.
‘It is important to reduce the enemy’s morale and stamina, but there is no need to make unreasonable attempts to catch more than 10,000 enemy soldiers.’
And because sprinkling tasty treats at the opponent is the same as providing an advantageous situation for the enemy to win.
If it succeeds, it will be a huge success, but if it fails, it will only result in lowering the morale and power of the friendly forces before the Francois Republic and the Reich Empire face each other in earnest.
As someone who likes assault and reckless attacks, you don’t shy away from a challenge.
“The 12th Brigade, under my command, will act as bait.”
Hearing those words, Captain Patton tapped my shoulder and laughed like crazy.
“You’re crazy! Others and other generals try to fight in an advantageous location with more troops than the enemy, no matter what method they use! Are you deliberately setting yourself up for a difficult battle?”
Half of the generals, except for Captain Patton, opened their eyes and tried to open their mouths, thinking they would accuse me of being crazy.
With the positive attitude of the commander and the fact that he was a brigadier general and was awarded the Golden Knight’s Sword, he couldn’t have dismissed it as bullsh*t without even listening to what he said.
Everyone took the attitude of saying, “Let’s talk about it.”
The rest looked at me with eyes that seemed to be anticipating what kind of revolutionary strategy I would devise since I had accomplished so many achievements so far.
I pointed my baton at the path between the woods near the area marked Hatin on the bulletin board map.
“There is a place called Hattin, three days away from here, a natural fortress with forests on both sides and a fairly deep river running behind it.”
Because it was a difficult place to build a castle in many ways, the Francois Republic did not build a castle here.
Based on the data surveyed by the scouts, the terrain appears to be perfect for brigade-sized soldiers to build and defend a field fort.
“It will be very advantageous when playing defense. “Keep talking.”
“I plan to move the Eastern Expeditionary Force up to here together, have my brigade march at the rear, and build a fortress at Hattin as soon as we get here. Then the enemy will have no choice but to chase us.”
Because the leaders and nobles of the Francois Republic must have been deposed by the Pope, and they must feel like their finances are collapsing because they are so angry inside.
You probably feel like you have to pray three times a day to help the Reich army win this war.
In such a situation, some idiots are building and holding on to field forts, which are much better than nothing, but less effective.
When he hears that there are only about 4,000 of them, His Excellency the Commander, who leads the 10,000 people in the castle, will absolutely not be able to bear it.
Because, even though there were only about 4,000 people, the fact that we achieved victory by launching a preemptive attack would boost the morale of our troops.
They must be eager to receive even a small victory.
“Well, the Francois Republic, who live like snails, have received a letter of expulsion from the Pope, so the morale of their army is crawling under the ground! But, you happen to be given a chance to win from an imperial general named Peter Yeager? How can I tolerate this!? Ha ha ha!”
As someone who is crazy about assault, he has a very aggressive personality, but this sums up everything I want to say.
“However, if you are defeated, the morale of our troops will go down. “How are we going to do this?”
From my perspective, if we arrive at Hattin properly, there seems to be little chance of our brigade being defeated.
This is because we have fought and won several wars that were ridiculously disadvantageous and dangerous.
After gathering all the information I knew about the Francois, I realized that they were people who almost believed in the knights’ assault, like the French army during the Hundred Years’ War.
Because I think there is simply no possibility of not falling into the trap I designed.
But, since the boss set the stage for us, let’s say it nicely.
“If the commander approves the operation, I will definitely offer victory, even if it means dying here. So please don’t think about defeat.”
After saying that, Commander Patton nodded his head.
Also, although I didn’t mention it, even if I were to be defeated and annihilated very cold-heartedly.
From a strategic point of view, in the current situation, it may be more profitable to focus on plundering the east as per the original plan.
Under the current circumstances given to us, the strategy I have presented is the best strategy, if not the best strategy.
I don’t even think I’ll lose in the first place.
“Okay, then the 12th Brigade will be stationed at Hattin, and the expeditionary force will disperse by brigade unit and completely wipe out the enemy’s territory as per the original plan!”
The generals nodded at those words.
“But no matter how much Commander Bon thinks about it.”
After those words, Captain Patton smiled brightly and drew a line 1.3 Times longer than the planned route shown on the map.
“Considering the sacrifice of Brigadier General Yeager, it is not enough to just rob the eastern part! Shouldn’t we plunder the area around the enemy’s capital, Gobelin, and then return to the Plains of Crecy?!”
Considering the time it takes for the enemy to reach the Cressy Plain, it is necessary to secure time to travel that distance and get sufficient rest.
For the next two months, the soldiers will have to use up all their strength to loot and march.
In other words, you should actually walk, excluding sleeping time.
This is a tactic worthy of a crazy captain who likes quick maneuvers and marches.
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The generals tried to refute those words, but they only sighed as they realized that General Patton’s policy was the best from a military standpoint and the authority of the commander.
“Then we’ll just trust Brigadier General Jaeger, travel the original plan, or even longer, and frame Francois as a swindler! Everyone hurry up.”