Descending On France 1780
Chapter 173 - 166 Bertier, I make the following deployment

Chapter 173: 166 Bertier, I make the following deployment

At dawn, at dawn, the Laharpu Division arrived carrying torches.

Bertier immediately arranged for his troops to rest, preparing to engage in battle once it was fully light.

According to Bertier, a force exhausted from journeying will have diminished combat effectiveness; the Laharpu Department must rest.

Anning did not object to Bertier’s suggestion because he knew his own actual level, and he had long since planned to fully utilize the abilities of the renowned generals under his command, going along with any suggestions unless they were outrageously preposterous.

Consequently, the painter David, who had been following Anning to document his deeds, seemed deeply impressed, muttering "The General is never stubbornly self-opinionated," while recording something in his sketchbook.

Anning couldn’t be bothered with it anymore, after all, being flattered was quite enjoyable.

As the sun climbed over the hills, the terrain became visible from the hill where Anning was positioned. After observing the terrain through a telescope, pointing at the Bomida River flowing in a reverse L-shape across the plains in front of him, he asked Bertier, "How deep is this river?"

Bertier immediately responded, "According to the map data I’ve seen, the deepest part should be less than half a meter, allowing for fording."

Anning: "Lasalle!"

"Here!" The young Cavalry appeared, pipe in hand, "Where am I needed?"

"I need you to scout the Bomida River, confirm that it’s fordable, and check whether the Bomida River valley to the north can accommodate a large force."

Lasalle saluted and immediately ran off.

Then, Anning pointed his telescope at the Austrian troops around Diego in front.

Bertier commented, "Judging by the number of tents, the Austrian force directly ahead probably numbers twenty to thirty thousand men; we are not at a disadvantage."

Anning nodded.

Though he had the glorious exploit of defeating Lafayette’s forty thousand men with fifteen thousand, he understood it was the result of several factors.

Lafayette had initially engaged with only twenty thousand men; had Lafayette directly deployed all forty thousand from the start, Anning wouldn’t have been able to fight effectively as Lafayette had sufficient forces to flank Anning from both sides.

It can be said that defeating Lafayette wasn’t through a conventional full-frontal battle but through a combination of surprise and terrain advantage.

Now, there was no such terrain advantage or the convenience brought by a surprise attack.

This was truly Anning’s first real frontline battle as a novice commander.

Anning slightly wished to directly seek Davout’s advice and then completely adopt it.

Since David was there to document, he would likely paint Anning’s adopting Davout’s plan as sensible decisiveness.

But after hesitating briefly, Anning decided to try things out himself.

At this moment, from his position, he could see Lasalle leading a group of cavalry towards the Bomida River.

The Cavalry rapidly crossed the horizontal section under the reverse L-shaped Bomida River, then galloped along the western bank of the river.

Anning: "It seems the river valley is a flat plain very suitable for cavalry to gallop."

Bertier: "Yes, actually, because of cultivation, the land in front of us is good farmland, all suitable for cavalry to gallop. The east bank of the river isn’t well-suited for defense due to the lack of barriers; there’s only one east-west low wall, which isn’t much use."

"Indeed, I see that low wall." Anning used the telescope to observe the plains of the valley on the eastern bank where large patches of unknown crops, almost lacking hedges or fences, few scattered farmhouses and barns laid among the fields.

Anning: "How about we dispatch a troop from the flank to press over?"

Bertier: "That complies with military common sense, General."

So it was common military practice to station a troop on the flank, then Marshal Boliue on the opposite side would likely also deploy defensive forces on the eastern bank of the Bomida River.

Anning turned his telescope to view the entire right flank of the battlefield.

There was a road leading to the rear, where Boliue’s main forces had rushed from this morning.

However, close to Diego, the road turned east-west, likely influenced by the terrain of the hills.

If a troop fiercely attacked them from the right flank, they should be able to control this major road.

Not only could it prevent the enemy from retreating from this side, but it would also block Austrian reinforcements.

Finally, Anning turned his telescope towards the central forces.

Compared to the spacious terrain of the left riverbank, the terrain in the middle was much more complex, with numerous low walls and hedges, Boliue occupied high grounds of Diego, as well as very steep slopes.

According to the military theories Anning had learned at the military academy, the front was not suitable for offense and was highly advantageous for defending.

After observing the terrain, Anning had a basic plan; he intended to adopt a pressing strategy in the middle to force the enemy to engage, focusing attack forces on the right side.

As the terrain in the middle was complex, any attempt by the enemy to descend the hill and strike would be difficult.

As for sealing off the enemy’s retreat route on the right side, it looked attractive, but Anning wasn’t sure it could be accomplished.

While Anning was contemplating, Lasalle returned from scouting the terrain.

He rode up to Anning, dismounted with an elegant movement, and declared loudly, "The Bomida River is very suitable for wading, the flow is gentle, not deep, and the troops can cross it very swiftly."

Anning: "Did you check the northern valley? Can it serve as a retreat for the troops?"

"Small contingents won’t have a problem, but it’s unlikely for the enemy’s large forces to retreat through the valley," said Lasalle, "Come on, General Frost, let us crush the enemy here!"

Anning nodded: "Yes, we indeed need to crush the enemy here! Bertier!"

Bertier stepped forward: "Here, sir."

"I arrange as follows:

"Order Davout to lead four brigades along with Lasalle’s cavalry brigade, to cross the Bomida River and form in line on the western bank in the north-south section. Their task is to cross the Bomida River and attack the enemy on the plains on the eastern bank.

"Order the Laharpu Department to immediately cease rest and form on the right flank of the battlefield; their task is to attack the major road on the eastern side of Diego, pushing the troops to the side of the road. Let Napoleon lead the Cavalry Guns to reinforce the Laharpu Department."

Anning mainly considered that Cavalry Guns might not easily cross the river, hence he placed Napoleon on the right flank.

Anning: "The rest of the forces, all deploy in the middle, led by me personally, the main task is to engage the enemy troops, creating opportunities for both flanks."

Bertier quickly wrote in his notebook.

After Anning finished speaking, he suddenly remembered he had one action left undone, so he said: "Repeat it back to me!"

Right, that’s complete!

Bertier immediately recounted verbatim what Anning had just said, not missing a single word.

Truly, Europe’s strongest Chief of Staff!