The Fox of France - Chapter 322: Exercise

But it will take Spain several days to get this news, and right now, Napoleon has more important matters to attend to.

The first matter is that intimidating military exercise. Preparation for the military exercise is almost complete, and invitations have been sent out. Representatives from various European countries—traditional allies like Green Ivy, newfound allies Spain, Shinaro, and East Loro, loyal allies like the Rhine Federation and Italy, as well as friendly trade partners the United Kingdom and the United States—have all dispatched delegates to observe.

The exercise is split into two parts: land-based attack and defense drills. The attacking force consists of a French infantry division, while the defending force is a Rhine Federation infantry division. The exercise location is near the Vincent Forest, not too far from Paris. Because of its proximity, even some leisurely Parisians might venture there for a change of scenery.

French citizens during this era are generally martially inclined. The youth, in particular, harbor an enthusiasm for war. Especially in recent years, under Napoleon’s leadership, the French army consistently triumphed over seemingly invincible enemies at minimal cost. This led many to believe that war was like a game—cannons fire, everyone charges singing songs, and then the opponents surrender.

Now, witnessing a battle firsthand, even if simulated, especially on a Sunday, the wealthy idle Parisians and students from the University of Paris wouldn’t miss this spectacle. Even some girls from the Moulin Rouge hired carriages and arranged for prime viewing spots. These girls might not necessarily enjoy the violence, but being social butterflies, they often interact with foreign nobles and somewhat clueless university students. Knowing a bit about these matters is crucial. Just like in the Far East, the predecessors along the Qinhuai River used to carry Japanese swords and talk about matters of plowing and hole digging with their guests. Although, if asked to draw their swords for practice, they might not fare much better than Long Ge.

The core of the exercise is a small hill where the Rhine Federation troops have constructed a typical field defense, including three trenches, three layers of barbed wire, cannons, and various types of mines—of course, all non-explosive for training purposes.

In previous drills, it was nearly impossible for a single division to breach such defenses, which could withstand an attacking force of at least two divisions. Normally, an infantry division fortified in such a position could handle the assault of three to four other divisions. However, in this exercise, the French forces, with just one division, are set to attack an equally strong fortified position. This intrigued many foreign military observers.

These foreign observers occupied the best vantage points—a slightly higher hill about a kilometer away from the exercise site. The lower positions were crowded with Parisians who had come for a picnic and some entertainment.

Some even tried to get closer to the exercise area, unconcerned about getting hit by stray artillery. This chaos kept the Parisian mounted police and their horses extremely busy.

This wasn’t an uncommon sight. In the martially inclined 18th and 19th centuries, not just exercises but actual battles often saw civilians setting up picnics nearby while soldiers fought in the distance. For instance, during the American Civil War, battles near Washington witnessed residents setting up picnics to watch executions and enjoy a day out.

So, the Caucasian folks were martially inclined—war couldn’t stop them from picnicking and spectating, let alone a pandemic. In short, isolation was an impossibility in life; only by picnicking and having outings could life be somewhat sustained.

Around 9 o’clock in the morning, the French troops started moving into position, preparing for the assault. Honestly, attacking at this time wasn’t particularly suitable, at least in the eyes of military observers from several countries. They increasingly believed that modern warfare favored the defending side more.

After the Battle of Verdun, nations diligently studied that example. Despite Napoleon’s glorious victories, many felt that emulating him wasn’t wise. It seemed he didn’t teach well enough, resulting in misplaced confidence. Learning from the solid defenses of Franco-German Joseph was a more sensible approach.

With the widespread study of Joseph’s defensive tactics, many began to perceive attacking as suicidal. If an attack had to be made, it was better at night when visibility was poor. This lowered the efficiency of both sides but disadvantaged the defenders even more.

Launching an attack around 9 AM, as the French did, was seen by military observers as a deliberate show-off.

“I’m curious to see what they can pull off!” thought General Bagration, the Russian observer.

At this point, the French commenced artillery preparations. Their cannons targeted specific points on the defensive line.

This bombardment aimed to destroy some visible fortifications. However, with no high-explosive shells and the defenders hunkered down in trenches, this barrage didn’t stress the defenders much. At best, it destroyed some easily damaged structures, like parapets.

However, the French artillery astonished them—they fired at a speed much faster than expected. While most armies fired one round in the time it took, the French fired three to four shots.

Moreover, the accuracy of their shells was impressive. Even at two kilometers’ distance, the French accurately hit low targets like parapets. Their shells were highly destructive, toppling structures with each hit.

Would such attacks help the attackers breach the defenses? Bagration shook his head quietly. He disliked rigid defensive tactics, preferring offensive maneuvers, yet his reason told him this wasn’t enough.

French soldiers began appearing on the horizon. Bagration was surprised to see a drastic change in their uniforms—replacing the traditional blue coats and white trousers with gaudy, multicolored outfits. However, this attire had a unique effect—making it almost impossible to spot them at a distance, even with binoculars.

“It’s like when we go hunting in winter, donning a white cape,” thought Bagration, overhearing someone nearby rant in German, “How could they? This absurd uniform diminishes the army’s honor. I’d rather be shot than wear this!”

Bagration glanced at an angry Austrian officer nearby.

“Can’t believe there are such people! Hasn’t Austria learned to be practical from the French yet?” Bagration mused, somewhat unfairly blaming the Austrians. Their emotional leaning favored defense strategies. Any new element that could decrease defense efficiency naturally infuriated them. So, encountering this new uniform naturally sparked their anger.

Then, they witnessed the French artillery switching ammunition. Their shells started landing near the defensive line, creating smoke that immediately reduced visibility.

“Unbelievable! How could they?” the Austrian officer grew more irate, “But there are still mines ahead! I want to see how the French handle those!”

On the defensive lines, their artillery also commenced firing. Given this was a drill, no actual shells were fired. However, after each round, the directors would order a certain number of French soldiers to withdraw. Nonetheless, the use of smoke grenades and decreased visibility reduced this effect.

French soldiers approached the minefield. Several soldiers pushed a cart closer. On the cart sat a rocket. The soldiers secured the cart and lit the rocket, sending it flying with a long rope-like object trailing behind.

“I’ve seen this before,” Andrei explained to their friends lower down, “Our electrical department uses this to run wires across rivers and valleys.”

Perhaps because the trailing rope was too thick and heavy, the rocket didn’t fly

far before crashing to the ground. The rope attached to it fell, landing on the minefield. Then an explosion occurred—the thick rope wasn’t a rope but explosive material inside a rubber tube.

“Smart move!” Bagration applauded silently, clenching his fist, “This instantly creates a safe passage through the minefield!”

As you might imagine, they were watching an elaborate military exercise unfold.