Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Toulon 6
General Popham had just lost his eldest son in a recent unsuccessful assault. It saddened him deeply, but it also relieved him in a way. No one could now accuse him of incompetence in his previous actions, or of any treachery.
So, after the loss of his son, General Popham immediately ceased most of his offensive operations and engaged in a standoff with the British. When Napoleon arrived with the Fifth Corps, both sides had been in a state of static warfare for some time.
Napoleon's progress wasn't particularly swift, as he had been training his troops along the way with the new toys Joseph provided him. However, once his army arrived, Napoleon swiftly set his plans in motion.
Napoleon first paid a visit to Popham to gather information about the enemy's dispositions he had acquired at the cost of his soldiers' lives in previous engagements. Popham provided the information readily, knowing that General Napoleon had influential connections. It wasn't the time to provoke anyone, even if it meant losing his eldest son and his second son.
After obtaining this intelligence, Napoleon politely bid farewell to Popham. But as he left the general's camp, he couldn't help but mutter to the guards accompanying him, "I really don't understand how he could launch such a poorly prepared frontal assault. How did he become a general?"
However, Popham couldn't be solely blamed for such tactics, as it was a widespread phenomenon. Most French generals during the Republican era lacked experience and skill, and the inadequately trained Republican soldiers struggled with complex tactics. They often resorted to reckless and impulsive actions in the face of uncertainty, a common trait among Republican-era French military leaders. What's more, they achieved several victories with this approach, reinforcing its legitimacy as the orthodox strategy for the French military.
Back in his own camp, Napoleon carefully studied the maps he had brought back and summoned leaders like D'Artois to assign reconnaissance tasks. After several days of scouting, he gathered his division and brigade commanders to discuss the upcoming assault.
Napoleon believed that capturing Fort Marguerite was key to the battle. If they could take the fort, they would have a direct line of fire to Toulon's harbor with the large cannons stationed there. Once Toulon's harbor was exposed to artillery fire, the British would be unable to maintain their supplies. Their only option would be to retreat.
"General Popham's previous actions may have seemed foolish, but even the most foolish actions have a purpose. He attempted a direct assault on Toulon's front, which was undoubtedly unwise. However, this foolishness prompted equally foolish responses from the British. According to the intelligence we've received, the British have concentrated their main force on the front of Toulon's harbor. Consequently, they have somewhat neglected the defense of Fort Marguerite. Look at this map, representing Toulon under our control, and this new one we've created through reconnaissance."
As Napoleon spoke, he unveiled a newer map beneath an outdated one laid out on the table.
"Since Toulon fell into British hands, the scale of Fort Marguerite has significantly expanded. With its current size, it could host over thirty large cannons. In addition, to defend it, the British have constructed smaller forts here and here, each complementing Fort Marguerite. If these forts are adequately garrisoned, taking them will require a significant sacrifice. However, the flags on these forts changed recently, replacing the British flag with the Spanish flag. This means the British have moved more of their combat forces to the front, assuming this is not our main focus."
"General, are you planning a feigned attack on the front?" Davout asked with a furrowed brow. "But the degree of feint attacks can be hard to control. Few troops won't attract the enemy, while too many will lead to heavy losses."
Napoleon grinned mischievously. "Do you think I'm that foolish? Let me tell you a method."
After breakfast, Lieutenant Herault, as usual, ascended the lookout post at the fort, facing the French side. Although the French had stopped their incessant charges, vigilance was still essential.
There seemed to be movement on the distant horizon. Herault quickly raised his spyglass to see what was happening.
"French! The French are back!" Herault shouted.
The French had returned, but they stopped outside the range of the cannons' fire. Herault saw the French soldiers wielding shovels and pickaxes, as if they were digging trenches.
Digging trenches around a fortified city to cut off its communication with the outside was common in Europe, but Toulon was a harbor. Could the French dig a trench in the sea?
Herault was perplexed, but he promptly reported this information to his superiors.
A group of officers soon arrived at the lookout tower. They raised their spyglasses to observe.
"What are the French doing?"
"They're digging trenches, but... it's not horizontal; it's vertical," one officer suddenly said. "They want to dig straight toward us!"
"A bunch of rats!" Another officer sneered. In an era where warfare was considered noble, this rat-like behavior was indeed looked down upon.
However, more thoughtful minds refrained from laughing. This rat-like approach made sense. It significantly reduced the effectiveness of the cannons, and if the French dug right up to them and suddenly charged with bayonets, it would be problematic. The British and Spanish forces were limited in number, whereas the French had a vast pool of manpower. In such a melee, Toulon could be in grave danger.
"They should need at least three or four more days to reach an attackable distance," an officer said. "We must prepare for a fierce battle."
The speed of the French trench diggers exceeded the expectations of the British. Even at night, they continued their work, lighting torches and digging forward. The British fired a few shots, but hitting the trench was challenging, and the trench had bends that made it difficult to hit anyone. Seeing the ineffective artillery fire, the British decided to prepare for the impending melee. The French army was enthusiastic, and their performance in bayonet combat was commendable, but the British "lobsters" weren't to be trifled with.
Given the number of trenches dug by the French, their assault could involve over a thousand men. Therefore, the British concentrated all available forces on the front to face the French charge.
"General, we've observed that about two Spanish companies have left Fort Marguerite. They seem to have been reassigned to the front," an officer reported to Napoleon.
"Good. Davout, your forces should be within attacking distance by tomorrow morning, right?" Napoleon turned to ask.
"If we dig through the night tonight, we should reach attacking distance by early tomorrow," Davout replied.
"Very well, Davout, you'll lead your forces to their attack positions early tomorrow morning and make it look like you're ready to attack. Herault, we'll launch a full-scale assault on Fort Marguerite at first light. Davout, keep the appearance of an attack on the front to draw the British in and buy us time."
"Understood, General!" Davout and Herault responded in unison.
That night, the British and Spanish forces remained on high alert as the French trench diggers approached. In a more distant area, the French began constructing fortifications. The British and Spanish knew that tomorrow would be the decisive moment.
...
In the darkness, Lucien and Chrysler, along with the Bonaparte women, sneaked out, dressed in boys' clothes for ease of movement. They reached the seashore, where several fishing boats came into view.
"These boats, are they suitable?" Letizia asked.
"Don't worry, Mother! They should work just fine. We came over on similar boats," Lucien reassured her and then turned to Chrysler. "Mr. Chrysler, do you think my brother and the others have already engaged the British in Toulon? We're rushing there now, but I wonder if we'll get to see the battle."
"I'm not sure," Chrysler replied. "General Bonaparte is still in Paris for now. Even if he decides to head south, it shouldn't happen this quickly."
"I really hope we get to see a battle," Pauline chimed in.
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