C377 Memoirs of Sardova (2/2)
”Only after the battle was over did we learn that the commander of this cavalry brigade was actually... It was actually a brigadier general! His name is Ferdinand Rosenzwig von Dreuville... Everyone knows, Ferdinand is the special name of the Austria Royal Family, and Feng is also the surname of a high level noble.
The veterans who had experienced war were proud to have participated in the most desperate battles. In their eyes, the stronger the enemies were, the greater the pleasure they would feel after victory.
Because no one was convinced, a good memoir soon turned into a heated argument. Everyone was emphasizing that their experiences in war were the most tragic, and neither side was willing to accept the other's hand.
”Oh, for God's sake, please wake up. Without artillery risking their lives to cover their firepower, you still want to make a surprise attack? ”Don't forget how the Austrian bombed you guys, please always remember that the cannons are the true god of war!”
”Oh, I've had enough! How much firepower cover did you artillery provide? When our Seventh Division is fighting alone, where are your firepower support? If there is no infantry stubbornly protecting the front line, do you still want to open fire? ”Dream on …”
”Flank, gentlemen, don't forget the flank battle! The defensive battle at the edge of the battlefield was completed by our cavalry, and after the general attack is launched, we cavalry will also be the ones to disrupt the enemy's formation, and when the enemies retreat, we cavalry will also need to rely on our cavalry! Your disregard is simply an insult to us! ”
The veterans were arguing, while the interviewers and writers looked at each other in dismay.
”Mm …” Gentlemen, please calm down. We will not destroy the merits and achievements of any single unit. Now we have new questions … Excuse me, when did Second Corps join the battlefield? And … ”Those Chinese, did they appear on the battlefield in Sadova...”
The atmosphere suddenly became deathly silent. All the veterans stopped talking. Their faces suddenly revealed strange expressions, some of excitement, some of shame, and some of reverence.
After a long period of silence, the first cavalryman of that year opened his mouth and said, ”July 3rd, 14: 30 PM. I will never forget that time …” that is, the moment Second Regiment appeared on the right wing … ”
”As for those Chinese people …” Once again, the room fell into silence. The door to his memories was completely opened, and all the legends from the miracle of the stone bridge once again flooded his mind.
July 3, 1866. The slaughter in the Sardova region had already lasted for seven hours. The soldiers on both sides were almost exhausted, while the Austrian had gained the upper hand in numbers. The Prussian front had begun to loosen and cave in.
Right now, the artillery of both armies could no longer be used to count exactly how many artillery shells had been fired. Now, the artillery positions of both armies were filled with one after another, and the artillery units had even become the ones with the heaviest casualties.
Lao Maoqi and Bismark were like ants on a hot pan, walking back and forth in the Headquarters. They had wanted to give the order to retreat more than once, but the strong conviction in their hearts was encouraging them.
”Wait a little more, Second Regiment will arrive in a second? What if the Shiqiao uplands can defend it? Maybe Prince Karl's horse is already close to Sada … ”
”Yes!” I firmly believe that Prussia's national fortunes are still rising, and I believe in the tenacity of the Prussian Iron Army! ”
The two old men continued to cheer each other on. In front of the gigantic Military Maps, more than ten high ranking staff officers from the empire were playing Go over and over again, adding every change on the battlefield to the deduction parameters.
”No …” The situation of the war is extremely disadvantageous for us! Commander: Prime Minister! Give the order to retreat. Right now, our soldiers still have a quarter of the ammunition base. If we slowly return it, we can guarantee that our army won't collapse … Please, don't wait for Second Regiment, how can those Chinese people defend Shiqiao uplands? ”
The staff officers were frantic. If this battle were to continue, the final result would be a complete wipeout, and the entire army would collapse.
However, just as the two old men were making their painful decisions, from the west side of the battlefield, which was the right wing of the Prussian army, a strange tsunami suddenly came.
”What is that sound?” What happened? ” The sound was getting louder and louder, and it was getting closer and closer. In the end, everyone could hear it clearly.
”Reinforcements!” Everyone was shouting a single word, ”Reinforcements …” Could it be Karl? Could it be the Second Regiment?! ” Lao Maoqi and Bismark rushed out of the headquarters like madmen.
When the scene in the telescope appeared before their eyes, their vision blurred and their emotions collapsed. Hot tears welled up as their bodies trembled like a sieve.