Chapter 922: 830: Massena Is Also By No Means Simple

Chapter 922: Chapter 830: Massena Is Also By No Means Simple

Brüna also repeatedly shook his head:

“Oh, God, our attack plan may have to be postponed until next year.”

As he was speaking, Major Saint Iler, the Cavalry Camp commander, came galloping in and said to Massena, “Commander, this morning, over 25,000 Prussian troops crossed the Moselle River, and more enemy forces are gathering on the north bank. This is the latest reconnaissance report.”

Brüna looked at Massena: “It seems we must first withdraw all our troops to defend the Luxembourg Fortress…”

Based on the current intelligence, the Duke of Brunswick has 85,000 soldiers at his disposal, the German States’ Alliance Army of 40,000 is about to arrive, plus the Duke of York’s corps on the way, the enemy will concentrate more than 150,000 troops along the Luxembourg line!

While France only has 65,000 troops here.

There is no hope of attacking; holding the defense would be considered a victory.

Saint Iler dismounted and nodded in agreement: “The position of Luxembourg City is perilous, and with proper use of the Betelius Battery, it can hold until reinforcements arrive from the homeland.”

The north of Luxembourg City is connected by only a narrow mountain pass guarded by the fortress.

The Betelius Battery is the core of the fortress. It can accommodate over a thousand soldiers, equipped with more than 120 various-caliber artillery pieces, and has a tunnel system connected to a water supply, making it easy to defend and hard to attack.

Massena was studying the map unfolded by Staff Officer Vasser, contemplating:

“Our earlier deployments were to facilitate a counterattack on Ferdinand from the flanks.”

He traced his finger along the narrow strip west of Luxembourg: “Our battle line stretches as long as 18 kilometers, suddenly pulling back to Luxembourg City could encounter enemy troops and suffer attacks from their superior forces.”

According to the established operational plan on the Luxembourg line, the French Army’s main force of over 50,000 men concealed along the western border of Luxembourg, hidden within the Ardennes Plateau central region.

Once the Duke of Brunswick launches an attack on the Luxembourg Fortress, they will counterattack from multiple positions at his flank and rear, aiming to eliminate the Allied Forces’ rear and convoy units.

If Brunswick’s reinforcements are delayed, his main force retreat would be cut off. By then, unable to overcome the formidable Luxembourg Fortress, surrender would be the only outcome left for him.

However, the Allied Forces’ numerical advantage is now too overwhelming; the French Army’s rash attack on Brunswick’s rear could likely lead to encirclement.

Brüna anxiously said: “But with only 15,000 soldiers in Luxembourg City, it’s impossible to block such a large enemy force. We must take the risk and return to defense!”

Massena shook his head: “I remember the Crown Prince once said, the worst tactic is passive defense. It only allows the enemy to unleash their combat efficacy calmly.”

“Moreover, we fear not obtaining reinforcements in the short term. If besieged within the Luxembourg Fortress, we won’t even be able to receive supplies.”

Brüna and Saint Iler exchanged a glance, more anxious: “Then what shall we do? Is retreating to Verdun an option?”

“What are you talking about?” Massena cast a glance at him in exasperation, then gazed at the map, “Perhaps we can use the terrain for active defense.”

“Active defense?”

“Yes,” Massena continued, “Engage in battles at our selected defensive positions, while ensuring adequate maneuvering space is left.”

“For instance, the northwest of Luxembourg.”

“There exists the Ardennes Plateau, ideal for high-ground defenses. Meanwhile, Bastogne can provide our troops with continuous supplies from the rear.”

Bastogne is a transportation hub in the southeast corner of the Southern Netherlands, merely over ten kilometers from Luxembourg.

“If the Allied Forces’ offensive is overly fierce, we will contract westward, having the vast territory of the Ardennes Plateau for our army’s mobility.”

“Subsequently, we need to utilize our mobility advantage, tugging at the Allied Forces’ formations, searching for openings to carry out raids, and gradually amassing advantages.”

“The biggest benefit of this approach is that we won’t have to mobilize troops on a large scale.”

The French Army is already on standby in the Ardennes Plateau interior, just set up defensive lines without the risk of encountering superior enemy forces while moving.

Brüna listened, nodding repeatedly; it indeed sounds better than stubbornly defending Luxembourg. Even if the fortress gets breached, at least the main army still has the chance to retreat to the Southern Netherlands, rather than being trapped in the fortress.

Suddenly, he frowned once more, looked at Massena, and said, “But there’s still one crucial issue—what if Ferdinand continues southward without launching an attack along the Ardennes Plateau line?”

Massena smiled: “Quite simple, deliberately reveal our troop deployments; the Prussian-Austrian spies will help us…”

After explaining his plan, seeing no further objection from Brüna and Saint Iler, he instructed Vasser to submit it to the General Staff for approval—although essentially a formality, as corps commanders in this era had considerable authority for on-the-spot decision-making.

Massena suddenly recalled something and asked Vasser, “Where are the troops from Thuringia and Bavaria at present?”

“According to our intelligence, Thuringia and Hesse-Kassel troops should almost be reaching Koblenz. Bavaria and the further eastern states are still a little farther away.”

Koblenz is a key town and crossing point on the Rhine River, crucial for any southward march from Northern Germany to Luxembourg.

Massena asked again, “Which corps is positioned to the north of Cléver?”

Vasser recalled for a moment and answered, “Should be the Udino Corps, Commander. Subordinate to the second and fourth regiments of the second infantry division, including the sixth scattered troop, plus a mounted artillery company.”

Counting under 5,000 men altogether. Hesitating briefly, Massena ordered, “Have the Udino Corps search for enemy gaps, cross the Saar River northward, and initiate attacks on the Thuringia forces around Neuerburg to Gailorstein.”

Thuringia combined with Hesse-Kassel troops should exceed 10,000, yet attacking them while marching increases the chances of success.

Should they merge with the Prussian Army and fight under Brunswick’s command, their combat potential would multiply exponentially.

Thus taking risks is necessary.

If they can penetrate into the Trier region and defeat the enemy, it would severely undermine the Allied Forces’ morale.

Massena judged that the enemy would certainly not expect the French Army, even when outnumbered, to dare to cross into enemy territory, which was his confidence in taking the gamble.

…

Luxembourg’s mid-northern city, Diekirch.

According to Massena’s original plan, it was a pivotal battlefield for launching counterattacks against the Allied Forces, now occupied and serving as the Duke of Brunswick’s command headquarters.

A major responsible for intelligence, led by an attendant, walked into Duke Brunswick’s office and saluted: “Marshal, according to reliable intelligence, the French are planning to launch a massive surprise attack on our forces.”