Chapter 218 Thus It Begins
Godoy outlined his invasion plan with a straightforward demeanor, his finger pointing out the critical points on the map.
“We’re designating this city as our staging point,” Godoy stated, his index finger landing on a small city in the southwest of the Kingdom of Spain.
Saint-Cyr leaned in, his brows furrowing as he tried to read the city’s name on the map.
“Badajoz?” Saint-Cyr read aloud, seeking confirmation.
Godoy’s nod was crisp and to the point. “Correct, General. We’ll kick off our campaign from there, moving westward,” he explained, his finger tracing a clear line of progression. “Taking Elvas, Borba, and Estremoz before we head north to Santarem. That’s only about 78 kilometers from their capital, Lisbon. It should be enough to make them think twice and maybe come to terms.”
“I see,” Saint-Cyr straightened, his gaze assessing. “How many forces does the Kingdom of Portugal have?”
“According to our intelligence, their main forces amount to around 18,000,” Godoy disclosed. “They’ve fortified Elvas as their defensive stronghold.”
“So if we capture that city,” Saint-Cyr interjected, “and defeat their main force, then the Kingdom of Portugal won’t have any means to defend themselves. That means we don’t have to march inward, we can simply take Elvas and force the Kingdom of Portugal to make peace.”
“General, the reality is that the Kingdom of Portugal won’t simply yield without a fight. You’ve witnessed it firsthand when both the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of France presented an ultimatum to their Queen, and they stood firm,” Godoy stated matter-of-factly.
“Well, Godoy, your plan is solid. But I believe there’s room for improvement. The Republic of France has provided me with a new weapon that could give us a significant advantage.”
Godoy’s interest piqued. “Oh? A new weapon, you say? Is it something from Egypt? I’ve heard stories of advanced weaponry used by the French Army of the Orient.”
Saint-Cyr’s expression shifted to a confident grin. “It’s an artillery piece,” he revealed.
Godoy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Artillery? How could that alter our strategy?”
Saint-Cyr’s tone held a hint of excitement. “This isn’t just any artillery. It’s a highly advanced piece, capable of delivering precision strikes over long distances. With this weapon, we can target key defensive positions, like the fortified Elvas, from a distance, softening their defense before our combined forces arrive. Anyways, is there a direct train to Badajoz? Those artillery pieces are heavy.”
“Yes, there is,” Godoy replied.
“Good. We’ll begin mobilizing tomorrow. The First Consul is keen on concluding this conflict swiftly.”
***
April 29th, 1801.
The steam locomotive rumbled steadily along the tracks, the rhythmic clatter of its wheels reverberating through the air. General Saint-Cyr sat in one of the carriages, his thoughts focused on the day ahead. Beside him, a stack of documents lay, detailing the logistical preparations and the composition of forces.
The Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of France have a total combined force of 60,000. The Kingdom of Spain mobilized 35,000 troops while the Republic of France mobilized 25,000.
Considering that the Kingdom of Portugal is small and militarily weak compared to other European powers, sixty thousand seemed more than enough.
Outside the window, the landscape shifted from open fields to small villages and rolling hills. The train’s destination was drawing near, and with it, the battle.
As the train finally pulled into Badajoz, the sun was descending toward the horizon. The sight that greeted Saint-Cyr was one of organized chaos, as soldiers unloaded equipment and made final preparations for the impending campaign.
Manuel Godoy approached. “General Saint-Cyr, I have seen the artillery you were referring to yesterday. I must say, they are quite different from the mainstream…”
ραndαsnοvεl.cοm “That is because it’s the first,” Saint-Cyr simply replied. Prior to his leave for Spain, Napoleon Bonaparte had sent him a letter about giving him a new type of weapon for him to use for the campaign.
Since Africa and the Middle East campaign was done, the howitzer that was used in those theaters are no longer needed and therefore was transported back to France.
Napoleon said that he wanted the howitzer to be put into use so he gave it to his forces.
Saint-Cyr has been curious about the weapons the Army of the Orient used in their campaign. Now he can see it firsthand.
“Follow me Godoy,” Saint-Cyr said as he walked past him.
“Okay,” Godoy trailed behind Saint-Cyr, their eyes looking around, observing French and Spanish troops getting in their formation.
At the end of the steam locomotive, a flatbed, where the 155-millimeter howitzer was being unloaded using cranes from the train and carefully set it down on the ground.
The artillerymen immediately strapped ropes around so the horse could pull the howitzer into position.
“What is the range of that artillery?” Godoy asked.
“According to the specification given to me by the First Consul, it has an effective range of about fourteen kilometers,” Saint-Cyr revealed.
Godoy’s jaw dropped after hearing that.
“Fourteen kilometers?!” he exclaimed incredulously. “No way, you must be lying. The current cannons can only hit targets as far as 1.8 kilometers. Are you sure you are not overexaggerating the details?”
“Look Godoy, even I can’t believe it. But to see is to believe. Since it is said to have a firing range of 14 kilometers, we’ll have to move closer as the city of Elvas is 19 kilometers from here.”
𝑵𝑂𝑣𝐄𝐥𝗇𝓔xt.𝗰𝔬𝗆
***
Five hours later, 13 kilometers east of the Elvas, just right on the border of Spain and Portugal. Twenty 155mm cannons were now manned and in position.
Saint-Cyr stepped forward and turned around to face the Spanish and French columns.
“This artillery that you are seeing in front of you is called the 155mm howitzer.,” General Saint-Cyr began. “It’s a rifled, breech-loading field gun that can fire 155mm high-explosive shells. They have 14-kilometer range and unprecedented precision. According to the artilleryman who once manned this weapon of steel in Egypt, it’s loud and powerful. So cover your ears.”
Saint-Cyr continued. “The plan here is simple. Soften the defenses with these howitzers, create breaches, and then launch a coordinated assault.”
He paused as he pulled out his timepiece from his pocket.
“Today’s current time is four thirty in the afternoon. We will unleash 100 shells at the city of Elvas for one hour. All artillery personnel, you now have my orders to commence the bombardment.”
When the artillerymen received their orders, they immediately pulled the lanyards, setting off a synchronized sequence of thunderous explosions. The ground beneath their feet shook with each blast, and the air was filled with the deafening roar of artillery fire. The howitzers belched plumes of smoke and fire as the shells soared through the sky, leaving trails of smoke in their wake.
The soldiers in the vicinity flinched and jolted as the first shell was fired, the shockwave and noise catching them off guard despite their anticipation. The concussive force was felt not just in the ears, but reverberated through their chests, creating a visceral sensation of power.
“Shit…it was really loud,” Saint-Cyr remarked.
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