Chapter 415: Sacking of Toledo Part I (1/2)
The dust had settled after the Army of tens of thousands of prisoners had been rendered into meat paste by the Austrian artillery brigades. Many of the young and veteran soldiers gazed upon the destructive scene with expressions of both trepidation and pride.
Fearful of what could occur if they should ever make the mistake of taking up arms against the crown, and yet proud of the military might their nation possessed. They had single-handedly wiped out an army over twice their numbers without the enemy even getting in range of firing their weapons.
Such a feat was only achieved due to the use of flares and artillery, which had a combined effect on the superstitious feudal men of the Iberian Army who genuinely believed that the Austro-Granadan alliance had somehow managed to force Angels to fall from the heavens.
If the enemy had kept their wits together, they might have been able to advance upon the first trench line and engage in melee combat with the Austro-Granadan soldiers. However, such an overwhelming display of advanced technology was no different than magic in the eyes of the primitive armies of Iberia and Christendom. Thus they were frightened to their wits and exposed their backs to their enemies, who cut them down with ease.
Berengar gazed upon the carnage that he had inflicted on this field of battle with a wicked smile on his face before stepping back into the trench line, silent as he did so. This sinister appearance led many among his ranks to believe that their King was a man of great cruelty to his enemies. After approaching the rear-trench line, Berengar laid down in his command bunker where he quickly found himself sleeping without a care in the world.
Hours passed, and morning came; with it, Berengar was up bright and early, rallying his Cavalry Forces to prepare to set off in an attempt to wrestle control of the Capital of Castile. With the main Army of their enemy defeated, Berengar did not have to worry about fighting more significant numbers as he advanced upon the city of Toledo.
Berengar was standing in front of four Generals who had gathered before him. Generals Arnulf and Adelbrand represented the Austrian Divisions. General Ziyad was responsible for what remained of the Royal Granadan Army, and finally, General Alexej Kaspar was here to lead the Bohemian Expeditionary Force.
The Bohemian Royal Army was equipped with apparel and armor similar to the Austrian Army; the primary difference was that it resembled the Steingaru M1917 Field Uniforms used by Austro-Hungarian Forces during the Great War Berengar's previous life.
Of course, they were equipped with surplus weapons from the Austrian Royal Army, such as 1417/18 Rifled Muskets and 1417 12lb Field Guns. Nevertheless, they were provided with vastly superior equipment when compared with their enemies. With the quick loading tubes at their disposal, they were still capable of firing roughly five rounds a minute from the entrenched positions.
Berengar was dressed in his field uniform, with a cavalry saber attached to his belt, along with his 1422 Service Revolver, contained within its holster. He quickly began to give the Generals their instructions as he prepared to set off.
”While I march off and secure our victory, you will all continue to conduct warfare as we have done so thus far. Maintain a perimeter around the borders of Granada, and ensure that any army that advances on your position is met with artillery fire the moment they enter firing range.
If the time comes that you must retreat from an entrenched position, do not be afraid to do so, the survival of our troops is the most crucial factor of this conflict. Care for each soldier under your command as if he was your beloved son, and he will follow even into the gates of hell!”
The Generals saluted Berengar as he hopped onto the back of his mount, where Berengar returned their salute; as he did so, he yelled the long-established battle cry of the Austrian Armed Forces.
”God with us!”
After saying this, he regrouped with his Cavalry, awaiting his arrival, where they set on that path towards Toledo. By the time they arrived, the Castilian King was sure to be aware of his primary force's disastrous defeat. Whether he had the stones to stay within the confines of his city and defend it had yet to be seen.
For several days the Austrian Cavalry, followed by its attached Artillery Battery and logistics unit, trodded forth through the Castilian landscape before finally arriving at the city of Toledo. As they entered firing range of the artillery, which was roughly five miles away, Berengar gave his order to the artillery officer who had accompanied them.
”Set your men to task and focus your bombardment on the main gatehouse; I want that section of the wall brought down before my force's arrival within the proximity of your shelling!”
The Artillery officer suppressed his internal laughter as he heard such a ridiculous order; of course, the wall would be brought down before they arrived within the proximity of the shelling. With the power of the 7.5cm FK 22 field guns, the wall was likely to be brought down by a single barrage. After that, they would focus their guns on the castle within the center of the city.