I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1209 Speed ​​of Life and Death

The commander-in-chief of the Italian front continued, "Currently, the Austrian army has nearly 40% of its forces deployed to control Verona, Vicenza, and other areas. Before launching their general offensive, Archduke Charles will certainly concentrate his forces on the upper reaches of the Mincho River to the west."

"Given my understanding of the Austrian army, such a large-scale troop movement will inevitably create many gaps that can be exploited."

Mantua, known as the "Key to Italy," was not actually a single fortress, but rather a group of fortresses built along the Mincho and Po rivers. The defensive line along the east-west direction was more than 90 kilometers wide, which is why it was able to cut off northern Italy in half.

For the Austrian army to gain full control of the area north of Mantua, it had to station troops in key towns from west to east, such as Verona, Vicenza, Padua, and Treviso.

These important towns could also be used to stockpile logistical supplies—it was very convenient to resupply the Austrian army attacking the Mantua defenses from 20 to 50 kilometers to the south.

If Grand Duke Karl were to concentrate his forces, 60,000 to 70,000 soldiers from these areas would be sent to the upper reaches of the Mincho River, with Padua, which is quite far away, requiring a journey of about 80 kilometers.

Berthier's eyes widened immediately: "You're planning to cross the Po River and launch a surprise attack on them?"

Morrow nodded: "There are many rivers on the Po Plain. It will be difficult for the Austrians to coordinate with each other as they head towards the upper reaches of the Mincho River."

"Based on Your Highness's theory of flanking maneuvers, as long as our army can maintain secrecy and have sufficient mobility, we can form a superior force against the enemy in a small area."

Berthier looked at him and asked, "How many troops are you prepared to commit to the attack?"

"Your Excellency Chief of the General Staff, Fifth Army Group."

Berthier shook his head repeatedly: "This will result in a severe shortage of troops in our defensive line. If the enemy launches a general offensive, we won't even last three days."

If the Fifth Army were to leave, only 1 Italian troops and 1500 grenadier guards of the Crown Prince would remain on the western front of the Mincho River. Facing over 4 Austrian troops, they would be utterly powerless to resist.

Moro said confidently, "You must trust the marching speed of our soldiers. When I launch my attack on Padua and other places, Grand Duke Karl will certainly not have finished assembling."

"At that time, he would most likely choose to go back to defend, because I could continue north to Treviso at any time and attack his supply lines."

"Of course, he might continue his assault on the Mantua defenses. We could simply abandon the Mincho River and retreat south to the Oryo River."

"In this way, although it will cause damage to the Lombardy region, the Austrian supply lines will really be cut off."

Berthier finally stopped objecting.

Grand Duke Karl was unaware that the Mantua defenses were actually quite weak. Therefore, for him, a direct assault on the Mingjo River could expose his rear to Morrow's raiding forces. He was unlikely to do that.

Previously, Victor, who had been listening quietly, suddenly whispered, "General, if the worst-case scenario occurs, such as the Austrians demonstrating a high level of training during their assembly at the Minch River..."

"In this way, our assault force will be forced into a head-on confrontation with the superior enemy forces. They may even be surrounded by the enemy forces that come to reinforce them."

Moro was stunned. Although the possibility was slim, if the Austrian team performed well, he would be in great danger.

Joseph coughed lightly and said, "Then let's help him panic."

He pointed to Trento, a major town on the north side of Lake Garda: "We simultaneously sent troops to attack Trento, forcing them to move their troops back and forth across the entire Po Plain."

Moro frowned: "Your Highness, it will be difficult for us to spare enough troops."

If we send troops to Trento, then the Mantua defense line will truly be empty.

Joseph smiled and said, "All we need to do is convince Grand Duke Karl that Trento will be attacked. I have a force perfectly suited for this task, and it won't affect the defensive lines."

Berthier continued, "Your Highness, I suggest transferring some troops from Montpellier and Provence to strengthen the defenses of Mantua."

Joseph nodded: "Okay, you can issue the transfer order." It's about 280 kilometers from Montpellier to Mantua. If we speed up the march, we should be able to get there in about half a month.

In fact, even if these French local troops encountered elite Austrian troops, they could still put up a fight. Although they hadn't attended military academies and their training was relatively light, they used the standard French military manual and were equipped with uniform Auguste percussion muskets.

Just then, a senior staff officer knocked on the door and brought them good news—General Soldano had led the Spanish legion to the town of Marcalía, with a total of 7 soldiers.

Marcalia is located to the west of Mantua Fortress, about half a day's journey away.

Berthier's expression relaxed slightly. If another 8 to 9 local troops were transferred from provinces such as Montpellier, even if the Fifth Army left, Mantua would still have 3 soldiers left for defense.

Even if the more than 100,000 Austrian troops on the other side launch a general offensive, the defensive line can hold out for at least a week.

This gave the Fifth Army more time to execute its tactics.

……

The central Alps.

Tens of thousands of Prussian soldiers, like a dense swarm of ants, slowly advanced along the white hillside.

Although this is one of the easier passes in the Alps, more than ten people fall down the mountain every day.

However, one cavalryman, as if he didn't care about his life, sped along the narrow, snow-covered path.

He walked all the way to the front of the marching column before finally finding Blücher. He jumped off his horse and rushed forward, panting, "General... the French have occupied Zurich!"

Blücher's face instantly darkened: "When did this happen?"

"Five days ago, General."

This is only because of his superb riding skills; otherwise, he would never have been able to arrive so quickly.

Blücher cursed through gritted teeth in anger: "Fassbinder, that idiot!"

The messenger whispered, "A full 3 French troops have arrived... and rioters have set fire to the supply depots in the city."

Blücher frowned: "So many people? Are all the garrison troops in Freiburg dead?!"

"The French don't seem to have gone through Freiburg, General."

"Damn it! Bastards!" Blücher cursed for a while before gradually regaining his composure. He turned to his staff and said, "It seems the French have likely discovered our intentions. Where are we?"

The latter hurriedly summoned the guide to inquire, and then said to him, "It's about 18 li to the southern mountain pass, General."

18 Pri is approximately 125 kilometers.

Blücher lowered his head and calculated: "The French didn't go through Freiburg, so they must have entered Switzerland from Lausanne, or crossed the Jura Mountains."

"In that case, it would take at least a week to send the message back to France from Zurich. Then it would be transmitted through a signal tower to Mantua, and then troops would be mobilized..."

"We have about 10 to 12 days left."

(End of this chapter)