Chapter 1205: Unexpected
Chapter 1205: Unexpected
Waging war within one's own borders required little more than soldiers and weapons, as logistical supplies could be mobilized through local governments. However, deploying troops overseas made a vast number of draft horses and carriages an absolute necessity, along with a multitude of accompanying artisans and engineers.
During its previous expedition to India, Russia had lost tens of thousands of horses and nearly all of its army's transport vehicles. Consequently, the force they could currently dispatch to Europe was limited to roughly 60,000 men.
They would have to wait for horses, carriages, and supplies from regions like Moscow and Novgorod to reach the west before they could further augment their strength.
Suvorov did not remain with his main army throughout the journey. Instead, upon entering Lesser Poland, he took his personal guard and hurried ahead toward Vienna.
He needed to gain a detailed understanding of the Coalition's operational deployment from the Austrian General Staff. Only then could he judge which theater of combat the Russian army should join to achieve the greatest effect.
As one of Europe's preeminent masters of strategy and tactics, he knew full well that the French were by no means easy to deal with. Generals like Masséna and Moreau had fully demonstrated their superior command abilities in previous wars. Combined with the French army's sophisticated weaponry and equipment, any negligence on the part of the Coalition could lead to a devastating blow.
However, once he arrived in Vienna and reviewed the Coalition's operational plan, his concerns finally vanished.
"This proposal can be described as flawless," he remarked in fluent French to the Austrian staff officer before him, setting aside the map covered in markings. "Did you devise this?"
Suvorov spoke instinctively. "The young prince who once successfully led the Austrian army to escape the French pursuit? Oh, my apologies, I should not have mentioned that..."
'At last, the Austrians have produced someone who understands military affairs,' he added silently. 'It seems victory in this war is only a matter of time.'
...
In the small town of La Chaux-de-Fonds on the western Swiss border.
Masséna pulled at his collar and stamped his freezing feet. Although it was only the end of September, the twilight temperature here had already dropped to five or six degrees.
While this area was sparsely populated, it was still Swiss territory. To avoid drawing attention, he did not allow his soldiers to light campfires for warmth, and he endured the cold right along with them.
"Why hasn't there been any movement from the enemy?" Marmont, the artillery commander, grumbled as he hunched his shoulders. "Could the intelligence be wrong?"
Oudinot shook his head. "The battle reports from last week still mentioned Austrian forces appearing near the Arlberg Pass. Most likely, their marching speed is simply too slow."
The Arlberg Pass was a vital bottleneck leading from Innsbruck in Austria toward Zurich.
"In that case, we should head to Zurich immediately..." Marmont continued to complain.
Major Gazan, standing nearby, nodded in immediate agreement. In fact, many officers believed they should set up an ambush near Zurich before the Coalition forces arrived there.
Masséna turned his head to look at the setting sun. "It seems today will be..."
Just as he was about to turn back toward his tent, he caught sight of a messenger galloping toward them out of the corner of his eye. He stopped in his tracks. "There must be news."
Sure enough, the messenger reached him, reining in his horse and shouting, "General! The Austro-Prussian Coalition occupied Zurich yesterday afternoon. Their total strength is estimated to exceed 60,000."
"We should move out at once, General!" Marmont exclaimed excitedly.
Masséna, however, shook his head. "We must still wait for the Swiss."
"What?" several officers asked, stunned. "Wait for them for what?"
They didn't have to wait long. About an hour later, the French diplomat Rocal arrived at the camp in a carriage, accompanied by two Swiss officials.
Rocal gestured toward the two men. "General, these are representatives from the cantonal councils of Fribourg and Bern. They have come to formally request that our nation deploy troops to safeguard Switzerland's status as a neutral state."
Indeed, Joseph had long ago instructed French diplomats in Switzerland to engage in diplomatic communication with the Swiss council as soon as the Coalition invaded.
However, since the Swiss capital had fallen so quickly this time, they could only obtain authorization from the cantonal councils.
Fortunately, the Swiss cantons possessed a high degree of independence and could even declare war individually. Therefore, when the federal council was incapacitated, this essentially represented the national will of Switzerland.
With Switzerland's formal request for intervention, the French army would gain a home-field advantage here.
The two Swiss officials looked around the French camp with some surprise, only recovering their composure after a moment to step forward and bow to Masséna.
Masséna returned the gesture with a smile. "Monsieur Rocal sent a servant on horseback to notify me. We have only just crossed the Doubs River ourselves."
Though the Swiss knew he was lying—it would take several days just to assemble a force of this size—now was not the time to dwell on such matters. They merely bowed again. "Thank you for your assistance. We hope you can defeat the invaders as quickly as possible."
As the diplomat's carriage continued its journey toward Paris, Marmont checked his pocket watch and spoke to the adjutant. "There is still some time before dark. Order the entire army to march for Zurich immediately."
"Yes, General!"
Soon, 23,000 soldiers from the French Royal 3rd and 6th Infantry Divisions, along with the Royal 2nd Artillery Battalion, began a forced march along the southern foothills of the Jura Mountains.
Their objective was not to immediately defeat the Coalition forces entering Switzerland, but rather to use the dense network of waterways and mountain ranges in central Switzerland to bog the enemy down.
The following morning, Davout led two infantry regiments and an artillery battery—totaling over 3,800 men—from French territory toward the Swiss heartland to the east.
Along the way, Masséna constantly urged his soldiers to maintain their pace.
La Chaux-de-Fonds was 130 kilometers from Zurich. He wasn't sure when the Coalition would begin their southward advance, so he had to occupy favorable terrain as early as possible to better intercept them.
However, at noon the next day, a scouting Hussar returned with a report. "General, Austrian troops have been spotted nine kilometers to the northeast. Estimated strength is around 20,000."
A staff officer immediately spread out a map, and the Hussar pointed to the northern side of Lake Biel. "Right around here."
Oudinot frowned upon hearing this. "They seem to be heading for Lausanne, but the numbers appear a bit low."
"It seems the Prussians have other business to attend to." Masséna looked at the staff officer and signaled. "Munster, report this situation to the General Staff Headquarters immediately."
Then, he looked back at the map. "We must block this Austrian force first."
...
Southern Netherlands.
Nijmegen.
A troop of British cavalry returned across the pontoon bridge over the Var River, reporting to Sir John Moore. "General, no sign of the Flemish has been found."
Moore nodded with a smile. "As expected. They are likely hunkered down in Antwerp. The French might reinforce them, but even that won't change anything."
He signaled to his adjutant. "Have the men cross the river. We will rest at Groesbeek today."
Though the Netherlands was not the primary theater of war, achieving a breakthrough here could still deal a heavy blow to France.
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