eastern european eagle

Chapter 593: Vienna Attack and Defense

The Vienna army was simple to say, but in fact it was just a trip outside the city. However, it soon encountered the Hungarian army.

The two sides fought a battle outside the city. In recent years, the Austrian army has also been upgraded and replaced with firearms made in Genoa. They are also elite troops who have undergone a lot of battle training.

They set out by boat and encountered the Hungarian army 10 kilometers from Vienna. The two sides launched a confrontation on the Danube River. Both sides used artillery, but close combat in the narrow river was the most lethal.

"For the glory of God, charge!"

The Viennese army charged forward without fear, and so did the Hungarian army, not only for God but also for the prince. The entire Danube was soon filled with corpses and wood blocks, and the originally clear river became turbid. It was unknown how people downstream would use water in the future.

The two sides fought from morning to afternoon, and in the end, the Vienna army retreated first. Both sides claimed victory in this battle. After the battle, the troops were counted, and the Vienna army lost 6200 people, while the Hungarian army lost 6400 people. From the loss point of view, both sides suffered similar losses, but the retreat of the Vienna army also meant giving up control of the lower reaches of the Danube, and this did not stop Lajos from leading the large army forward.

"Your Highness, Vienna is ahead."

From here, the spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral can be seen. Lajos looked at the rebuilt city and felt a sense of pride that he was about to conquer. Vienna's geographical location is very important. It can be said to be a barrier for Hungary. The basin where it is located produces a lot of food, and the Danube River gives him a lot of income. The Holy Roman Empire also knows the importance of this place and began to build a lot of this place. Moreover, before the arrival of the Hungarian army, they had demolished the buildings on the outskirts of the city, stored a lot of food and drinking water, and evacuated the citizens. It can be said that they have done everything they can.

Lajos set up camp on a hill near Vienna and began planning his siege, while Alexander watched to see how his friend would capture the city.

"This attack must be fast. Artillery should be concentrated in the south. Attack day and night. When the defenders focus on the south, other troops will attack in other directions. The troops on the river should also attract the attention of others."

Lajos planned to make a feint to the east and attack in the west. If the enemy did not fall for it, he would just use artillery to blast a gap. At that time, there would be no city walls, and it would be unclear what the defenders would do.

Just then, a soldier came in and said, "Your Highness, the Duke of Austria is here."

Lajos was stunned for a moment, then returned to his normal expression: "Let him in."

The other generals left the tent, and then Archduke Albrecht of Austria appeared before the two men.

"Hello, Duke of Austria, are you ready for a big battle?"

The fact that he started talking about war right away showed Lajos' determination. But Albrecht did not want to give up and said, "Hungarian heir, I came here for peace between our two countries. When I heard that your country had formed an army to come here, I felt incredible. Because it would be a waste of money and manpower. How could such a wise monarch like your queen start a war?

Moreover, if a war breaks out between the two countries, it will definitely affect the people along the Danube. Bohemia upstream and Rome downstream will be affected. The crown prince of the Roman Empire is here. I would like to ask the crown prince, will your country condone Hungary's actions?"

Alexander was caught off guard by the Duke's sudden question, but he quickly sorted out his thoughts and answered: "Our country has never had any intention to be in the Vienna area. If your country had not assassinated Prince Bozzoni, I think none of this would have happened today." Speaking of this, the Habsburgs regretted it. They didn't know what was wrong with them, and they had to assassinate the prince. Now they have directly attracted a huge opponent. And they are directly adjacent to each other, which makes them face the threat of Buda all the time.

"This incident was an accident. Father definitely had no intention of assassinating the prince. Some people took action after figuring out his thoughts."

What a good way to shirk responsibility, but Lajos doesn't buy it.

"Ha, you are the only ones who can believe such a clumsy lie. My father, such a great prince, died in the hands of you villains. My mother, the Queen of Hungary, is sad all day long. I can't wait to enter Vienna to avenge my father. Now I just keep you and wait until I enter the city and take you back to Buda."

Albrecht knew there was no hope for peace, so he could only say, "Well, let's decide the outcome on the battlefield."

Albrecht left, and Lajos kicked over the gift from the other side. "Starting tomorrow, all troops will attack. Don't be stingy with ammunition, and attack!"

Nearly 7 Hungarian troops were scattered around Vienna, including 64 artillery pieces on the right wing, which were the main direction of the attack.

Lajos did not sleep tonight, and kept looking at the map. As for the siege, he certainly wanted to break into the city in one day, but it would cost a lot, so it was best to capture it at the lowest cost.

At dawn the next day, the artillery troops on the right wing began their attack, filling the barrels with shells and gunpowder and lighting the fuses after receiving instructions.

Dozens of artillery shells attacked Vienna. At this time, the defenders of Vienna had just woken up. The sound when the artillery shells hit the city wall was undoubtedly the best stimulant.

"The enemy is coming, the enemy is coming!"

The defenders quickly went up to the city walls to defend themselves and fired back with their own artillery. The shells hit their camp, causing casualties on both sides.

At this time, the left wing of the army began to attack. Some people advanced under the arrows and artillery fire, while others took the opportunity to dig tunnels and prepare to use gunpowder to blow down the city wall.

Vienna's artillery was sent from Genoa, and there were only 24 of them. The shells were enough to fire for a week normally, and if the intensity was high, it would not last more than three days. Therefore, they also saved their fire and waited until the enemy reached the city wall before firing, and then hit a large area.

The Hungarian army began to fight by putting up ladders, and the defenders fired arrows from above. The Hungarian army also fired arrows upwards, and transferred 6 artillery pieces from the right wing to attack the defenders on the wall.

The first soldier jumped onto the wall, followed by the second and third. Albrecht personally killed the enemy in armor, and the defenders were inspired by the Archduke's actions and began to fight the enemy. The walls were covered with blood, but neither side had any intention of surrendering. One defender even jumped off the wall with a Hungarian in his arms and died together, which shows his determination.

(End of this chapter)