Chapter 1209: A Race Against Time
The Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Italy continued, "Currently, the Austrian forces have nearly forty percent of their strength tied up in controlling Verona, Vicenza, and other areas. Before they launch a general offensive, Archduke Charles will certainly concentrate his forces on the upper reaches of the Mincio River to the west."
"Such a large-scale troop movement, based on my understanding of the Austrian army, will inevitably create numerous gaps that we can exploit."
Mantua, known as the 'Key to Italy', was not actually a single isolated fortress. Instead, it was a vast network of fortifications built along the Mincio and Po rivers. The defensive line stretched over ninety kilometers from east to west, effectively cutting northern Italy in half.
For the Austrian army to exercise full control over the region north of Mantua, they had to station troops in key towns spanning from west to east, such as Verona, Vicenza, Padua, and Treviso.
At the same time, these major towns served as hubs for stockpiling logistical supplies—located twenty to fifty kilometers to the south, they provided convenient replenishment for the Austrian forces attacking the Mantua defense line.
If Archduke Charles intended to concentrate his forces, some sixty to seventy thousand soldiers would have to rush toward the upper Mincio. From the more distant Padua, they would need to march approximately eighty kilometers.
Berthier's eyes widened in realization. "Are you planning to cross the Po River and launch a surprise attack on them?"
Moreau nodded. "The Po Valley is crisscrossed with numerous rivers. As the Austrians scramble toward the upper Mincio, it will be extremely difficult for them to coordinate with one another."
"According to His Highness's theory of outflanking and interpenetration, as long as our army maintains secrecy and possesses sufficient mobility, we can achieve numerical superiority over the enemy within a localized area."
"The Fifth Army, Monsieur Chief of Staff."
Berthier shook his head repeatedly. "That will leave our defensive line severely undermanned. If the enemy launches a general offensive, we won't be able to hold for even three days."
If the Fifth Army departed, the western line of the Mincio would be left with only fourteen thousand Northern Italian troops and fifteen hundred men from the Crown Prince's Guard Grenadier Battalion. Faced with over a hundred thousand Austrians, they would be powerless to resist.
Moreau replied with absolute confidence, "You must have faith in the marching speed of our soldiers. By the time I launch the assault on Padua and the surrounding areas, Archduke Charles will almost certainly not have completed his concentration."
"At that point, he will most likely choose to turn back to reinforce them, because I could strike north at Treviso at any moment to attack his logistical supply lines."
"Of course, he might also choose to continue his assault on the Mantua defense line. In that case, we can simply abandon the Mincio and retreat south to hold the Oglio River."
"While this would lead to the devastation of the Lombardy region, the Austrians' supply lines would be truly severed."
Berthier finally ceased his objections.
Archduke Charles had no way of knowing that the Mantua defense line was actually so hollow. Therefore, as far as he was concerned, forcing a crossing of the Mincio risked exposing his rear to Moreau's raiding force. He was unlikely to take such a gamble.
Victor, who had been listening quietly until now, suddenly spoke in a low voice, "General, what if the worst-case scenario occurs? For instance, if the Austrians display a high level of discipline and training while gathering at the Mincio."
"If that happens, our raiding force will find itself in a head-on collision with a superior enemy force. We might even be encircled by returning enemy reinforcements."
Moreau was momentarily stunned. While the probability was low, if the Austrian army truly performed that well, his position would become extremely precarious.
Joseph cleared his throat and interjected, "Then we shall assist them in their panic."
He pointed to the strategic town of Trento north of Lake Garda. "We will simultaneously dispatch troops to attack Trento, forcing them to shuttle their forces back and forth across the entire Po Valley."
Moreau frowned. "Your Highness, it will be difficult for us to spare any more troops."
If they split more men for Trento, the Mantua defense line would truly be empty.
Joseph smiled thinly. "We only need to make Archduke Charles believe that Trento is under threat. I have a unit perfectly suited for this task that won't impact the defensive line."
Berthier added, "Your Highness, I suggest we transfer some local forces from Montpellier and Provence to bolster the defenses of Mantua."
Joseph nodded. "Very well. You may issue the mobilization orders."
The distance from Montpellier to Mantua was roughly 280 kilometers. With a forced march, they could arrive in about half a month.
In truth, even if these French local forces encountered Austrian elites, they were capable of holding their own. Although they hadn't attended military academies and had less training, they followed standard French military drills and were equipped exclusively with Auguste Pattern Percussion Rifles.
Just then, a senior staff officer knocked and entered, bringing good news—General Soldano had arrived at the town of Marcaria with the Spanish Legion, totaling seven thousand soldiers.
Marcaria was situated to the west of the Mantua Fortress, a mere half-day's march away.
Berthier's expression relaxed slightly. If they could pull another eight to nine thousand local troops from Montpellier and other provinces, Mantua would still have thirty thousand soldiers for defense even after the Fifth Army's departure.
Even if the hundred thousand Austrians across the river launched a general assault, the line could hold for at least a week.
This would buy the Fifth Army more time to execute its maneuvers.
...
In the central Alps.
Tens of thousands of Prussian soldiers crawled across the white mountain slopes like a dense swarm of ants, moving slowly and methodically.
Although this was one of the easier passes in the Alps, a dozen or so men still lost their footing and tumbled down the mountainside every day.
However, a single cavalryman was galloping along the narrow, snow-covered path as if he had a death wish.
He rode all the way to the front of the marching column before finally locating Blücher. He scrambled off his horse, panting heavily as he approached. "Gen... General, the French have occupied Zurich!"
Blücher's face darkened instantly. "When did this happen?"
"Five days ago, General."
It was only due to his superb horsemanship that the messenger had been able to arrive so quickly.
Blücher gnashed his teeth and cursed in fury, "Fassbender, that blithering idiot!"
The messenger whispered, "At least thirty thousand French troops came... and rioters in the city set fire to the supply warehouses."
Blücher scowled. "That many? Are the defenders of Freiburg all dead?!"
"The French didn't seem to pass through Freiburg, General."
"Damn it! Bastards!" Blücher cursed for a good while longer before gradually regaining his composure. He turned to his staff officer. "It seems the French have likely discovered our intentions. Where are we now?"
The staff officer hurriedly summoned a guide to inquire before reporting, "We are roughly eighteen Prussian miles from the southern pass, General."
Eighteen Prussian miles was approximately 125 kilometers.
Blücher lowered his head, calculating rapidly. 'The French didn't take Freiburg, so they must have entered Switzerland from Lausanne or crossed the Jura Mountains.'
'In that case, it will take at least a week for the news to get from Zurich back to France. Then it must be relayed via signal towers to Mantua, followed by troop mobilization...'
'We probably have ten to twelve days left.'
Comments