Descending On France 1780
Chapter 349 - 342 Danube River Outpost Battle

Chapter 349: 342 Danube River Outpost Battle

After the French Army mobilized, they arrived almost unimpeded at the Rhein River bank.

Anning arranged the troops in a line formation from north to south, with the northernmost Sixth Army reaching Frankfurt on March 1st, and the southernmost Third Army arriving in Strasbourg on February 28th.

Anning’s command headquarters reached Strasbourg on March 2nd.

He placed the command headquarters at the very southern end of the entire line mainly because the city was called Strasbourg.

As an old anime fan, how could he not know the famous landmark Strasbourg from "White Album 2"?

So Anning took advantage of his position to make a pilgrimage to the holy land.

However, this arrangement naturally took on different meanings in the eyes of others.

"Napoleon must have anticipated that Austria’s main forces are in the south!" Andy commented to his subordinates.

Napoleon’s main First Army was preparing to cross the river in a small town called Mannheim, south of Mainz.

At this point, all cavalry scouting reports indicated that heading east from Frankfurt along the Main River, aside from the local Bavarian force of ten thousand, there were basically no other armies.

Napoleon: "With no Austrian forces along the Main River, where could they be? I believe Andy must think that the Austrian main forces are along the Danube River—that is, to our south.

"I guess the next order will be to demand that after we cross the river, we advance southeast and take Stuttgart."

Napoleon’s Chief of Staff looked at the map and whispered, "That’s why the main supply center and command headquarters are set up in Strasbourg; it makes perfect sense."

Napoleon: "Of course, it makes sense, that’s Andy. When he was a teacher at the Paris Military Academy, he taught us all the military knowledge we know."

In fact, Anning was a mathematics teacher at the military academy, but Napoleon deliberately overlooked this point—or perhaps he just forgot it altogether.

"In any case, have the troops cross the river as soon as possible, especially the cavalry, and send them to scout towards the Danube River immediately after crossing. I need to know if there are any enemy forces and how many along the way. Additionally, have the logistics department prepare dry bread and biscuits, as we will conduct a forced march after crossing."

Napoleon ordered with energetic determination.

**

Meanwhile, Anning was on a pilgrimage in Strasbourg.

Then he realized that he had gone on a pilgrimage too early.

At that time, Strasbourg was far from the later famous music capital; it was just a small dilapidated city with only one main road by the river, with a permanent population of less than ten thousand people.

Fortunately, at this time, Strasbourg indeed had a fortress; the local nobles had built quite a large castle there, which was perfect to accommodate Anning’s headquarters.

The fortress was left behind, and the nobles themselves might have fled as soon as they heard the French Army was approaching, leaving behind a castle full of servants.

Anning unceremoniously took over the castle, turning it into a supply center for the French Army.

Bertier immediately planned several storage areas near the castle for supplies that could withstand rain.

The castle’s grand hall was transformed into Anning’s headquarters, with a lengthy Bavarian map spread out underneath the grand chandelier on a long table.

On the morning of March 3rd, as soon as Anning finished breakfast, he started studying the map.

"We still haven’t found the main body of the Austrians," he muttered softly.

Bertier responded immediately, "Let’s wait for today’s scouting reports; perhaps there will be new findings."

Anning pursed his lips.

Now, the French Army was operating in German-speaking regions, and although Strasbourg still had a majority of French speakers, further east, it was all German-speaking areas.

The French Army’s intelligence was indeed not as abundant as when they were fighting on their own soil.

All reconnaissance had to rely on Cavalry, yet the French Army’s Cavalry was rather scarce.

As a result, the current situation was such that they had no idea where the Prussia-Austria coalition troops were.

However, Anning vaguely guessed the enemy’s position.

"Utilizing rivers can effectively alleviate the pressure on transportation." He tapped lightly on the map with a pointer, pointing at the Danube River below, "From this perspective, the Austrian army might be here; it’s just unclear whether the Prussian forces are with them."

Bertier: "Should we dispatch a Cavalry to cross the southern Black Forest and reconnoitre the Danube River basin?"

Anning nodded: "Yes, let Moura go. Make sure he confirms the enemy’s composition along the Danube River; it’s crucial to determine if there are Prussian troops."

Bertier raised an eyebrow. It was obvious to anyone that General was spoon-feeding Moura military accomplishments, but Bertier chose to play dumb.

After all, he was quite satisfied with Moura’s military talents; having capable officers rise faster wasn’t a bad thing.

As for the high-ranking officers in the army being entirely Frost’s direct lineage, that was an established fact, one more Moura wouldn’t make a difference.

Bertier: "Then, I’ll issue the orders."

"Right, you issue them. Use my name as the signatory," Anning crossed his arms and commanded.

At this moment, a Messenger Soldier ran into the room: "Report! The First Army has already closed in on Stuttgart!"

Anning exclaimed, "What? How did this Napoleon move so fast?"

Saying this, he immediately leaned over the map, finding Stuttgart’s location, "Damn it, the Second Army that’s closest to him is thirty li away! This guy’s hastiness has disrupted our entire advancement plan!"

Anning cursed under his breath as he gestured frantically over the map, then said to Bertier, "Move up the entire advancement plan. Napoleon’s occupation of Stuttgart might actually be a good thing; it could entice the enemy to strike."

Bertier: "I will arrange the advancement plans for the other armies."

Anning nodded: "Also, Messenger Soldier!"

A new Messenger Soldier immediately pushed the door and entered.

Anning: "Not enough, bring a few more!"

Then, more Messenger Soldiers entered.

"You several, take different routes to Napoleon’s headquarters to ensure my orders are conveyed accurately. After Napoleon seizes Stuttgart, have him defend the position and refrain from advancing recklessly! Tell him, we’ll settle the account for his hastiness later! Go!"

Several Messenger Soldiers saluted together and then turned to leave the room.

Anning stood in the command room, hands on his hips, muttering against the map: "This Napoleon, thinking he can make decisions on his own because he’s on good terms with me, if everyone acted like him, how would we fight this war!

"I must severely punish him this time! Better teach him a lesson!"

Bertier stood by quietly listening, his facial expression seemingly saying: I’ll pretend I really heard that.

At that moment, Moura pushed the door and entered, "You called for me?"

"Depart immediately, cross the river and then the Black Forest, and reconnoitre along the Danube River!"

"Just by myself?" Moura asked back.

"Of course, bring your troops!"

"Understood," Moura saluted and left.

Anning sneered, then noticed the painter David had been furiously scribbling in a corner and commented, "David, make sure to record this well. Let everyone see how nonsensical the beginning of this battle is. I mean, if this really does turn into a battle."