Flowers, Swords and France

Surrounded by a large group of officers, the two commanders of the French and British armies arrived at the French temporary camp on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The cooks in the military camp had prepared a sumptuous lunch for the officers according to the richness of the marshals before. After the two marshals took their seats, the reception banquet held by the French for the British on the land of the Turks was officially here we go.

Before coming, the initial dispute between the two commanders-in-chief had made the generals of the two countries suspect that the two commanders-in-chief would fight. However, the strange thing is that although the two commanders were furious just now, they both calmed down again during the dinner. When we got down, we smiled and talked and laughed with each other. We also made a few jokes with each other from time to time. We ate very quickly and looked energetic. We didn't look old at all for our sixty or seventy years old.

They had all had some tentative thoughts about each other just now, but they soon saw the unquestionable determination in the other's tough answers. As a result, they felt a bit more sympathetic to each other than their old rivals. At this time, they no longer argued - in the final analysis, the dispute between them was not due to personal grudges, it was just to let their country's army gain the upper hand in front of the other side. Since neither side could do anything about the other, they had to try their best. Sincerely united.

Under the gaze of everyone, the two commanders picked up their wine glasses, clinked them with each other, and then shouted toasts in unison.

"Cheers to Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Cheers to His Majesty the Emperor!"

At this time, the generals also picked up their wine glasses and joined the toasting crowd.

After being influenced by the fine Bordeaux wine, the two commanders-in-chief and the generals of the two armies became a little smokey, and the atmosphere here became more lively under the catalysis of alcohol.

"Thank God and your Majesty, I can experience glorious moments again in the twilight years of my life." At this time, Baron Raglan spoke again, "I am very happy that I will have the opportunity to prove to the Russians that the British Not afraid of any challenge.”

"I can only say that this moment has come too late. The civilized world should have united long ago to deal with the greedy polar bears." Marshal Treville commented calmly, "Fortunately, everyone has finally woken up and saw that in order to defend Europe What do we need to do and hope that God will continue to bless us so that both of us can complete our tasks with honor."

"Even for the Duke of Wellington, I will complete this task at all costs, because the British army is the treasure he gave me." Baron Raglan picked up the wine glass and drank another sip of wine for himself, " I must do my duty to guard this treasure and prevent this unique treasure from being damaged."

There is no doubt that there is something in what he said. It looks like he is continuing the controversy just now, indicating that he will never obey the instructions of the French and will insist on the independence of British military command. However, compared with just now, his tone has changed. I feel much more relaxed, and I no longer have the aggressive aura I had just now.

"Our Emperor has entrusted so many French youths to me. This is also an extremely precious trust. I cannot live up to his trust. I must bring as many people back as possible while winning. Two goals are important to me. is equally important.”

"Well, it seems that none of us can manipulate anyone else." Baron Raglan shrugged, "This is a bit difficult to handle."

Now the commanders on both sides are at a loss and refuse to give in to each other's positions. Although they have insisted on the dignity of their own armies, they have also made the command and coordination of the coalition forces a big problem - if it becomes the case for both sides to do their own thing. If we fight each other according to our own plans, we will definitely not be able to unleash the maximum capabilities of the coalition. In that case, what is the point of forming a coalition?

After a long silence, Marshal Treville looked at the other party inquiringly. "Then, we will appoint several staff officers from each side to form a joint staff meeting. Then these staff officers will formulate a plan and submit it to the two of us for review. After both of us approve it, the armies of the two countries will follow their respective tasks. To carry out operations?"

"I think your proposal is an excellent one." After thinking for a moment, Baron Raglan nodded in agreement with the marshal.

There is no doubt that such an execution process will reduce efficiency and cause communication and coordination problems between the two militaries, but politically this is the safest approach.

It is justifiable for the two armies to jointly formulate a plan and then submit it to their respective commanders-in-chief for approval. No matter where the domestic public opinion circles are, there is no reason to say that their own armies are being driven by foreigners and becoming cannon fodder for their allies - and This was the charge from the rear that these generals feared most. They would rather bleed more on the front than be seen as traitors by the rear.

"If possible, I hope we can carry out similar military coordination as soon as possible." Seeing that Baron Raglan was finally convinced, Marshal Treville became more relaxed. "Time is quite pressing for us. We shouldn't waste them arguing anymore."

"Okay, I agree with you." Baron Raglan drank the wine in his glass. "Now that we have arrived at Gallipoli, Bulgaria and Moldova are right in front of us, and the Russians are there now. I think we should set off to meet them immediately... Their Danube Army is marching towards Europe and we must stop them."

Since the war against Turkey, Russia has launched an attack on the two principalities of Moldova and Wallachia. Now a large number of Russian legions have crossed the border and entered the two principalities. The Turkish army has been well prepared and has a large number of troops. The dominant Russian army In front of them, it was basically difficult to stop them. They could only give up the field battle and shrink the main forces into some fortresses, preparing to rely on these fortresses to delay time and wait for changes in the international situation. Obviously, the British and French coalition forces marched into Russia because they wanted to changes.

Baron Raglan had just said that he did not want to be under the control of the French army, and now he immediately encouraged the French army to land in the Balkans. This naturally made Marshal Treville quite displeased, but he did not want to dampen the enthusiasm of his allies. Instead, he regarded this as a A good thing. "We must land in the Balkans to meet these Russians - but we must also consider the possibility of their retreat. After all, the Russians would definitely prefer to meet us on their land, and at that time they still have mountains and rivers To rely on..."

"If the Russians are really so cowardly, then I'm a little disappointed!" Baron Raglan replied coldly, obviously he didn't think about this issue. "If they really escape, we will attack directly. In their homeland, we must force them to fight us."

"So have you chosen your next location?" Marshal Treville replied tentatively.

"If this is the best case scenario, we will try to land in Odessa directly." Baron Raglan had no intention of keeping the marshal secret. "I want to ask your opinion."

"If everything can be so good...of course I will be very happy, but I think the enemy will not leave us too many opportunities in Odessa." The marshal replied prudently, "So we can undoubtedly test it. But it’s better to make other plans first.”

Baron Raglan's plan did not surprise the marshal. In fact, for the coalition forces, the best landing place is Odessa. If they can land here, it is possible that the Russian army will suffer the greatest losses, because This is the supply base for the Russian army entering Turkey, and it is also the supply base for the Ukrainian army. It is the richest and most fertile area in the Netherlands. If Odessa can be captured, not only can the resources of a big city be obtained there, but also the granary of the whole of Europe can be obtained, and the Russian army, which has been cut off from its supply line, can be forced to At a loss, he returned to the country and fought a decisive battle with the coalition forces.

However, it is obvious that as long as His Majesty the Tsar and the military staff around him are not stupid, they will definitely be able to see the major risks involved in the rear of the frontline troops after the coalition controls the sea, so they will definitely do their best to strengthen Odessa The defense of the region will defend Odessa even if other places are weakened. Therefore, even if the coalition has the absolute initiative, a direct landing seems impossible - at most it can only be tried, but no one will Would have too much expectations.

"I agree with you. In fact, we also think that the Tsar will not give us too many opportunities." Baron Raglan was very talkative this time, "But we can give it a try. If it doesn't work, we will land in Kremlin." Rimea, seeking a decisive battle with the Tsar there."

The Marshal did not answer, but continued to look at the Baron, as if waiting for an explanation.

"Crimea is the center of Ukraine and the main channel for controlling the Black Sea. More importantly, there is a fortress there where a large number of Russians are stationed -" Baron Raglan kept looking at the marshal and spoke word by word. Answer, "If we can threaten the Russians there, the Tsar will not tolerate this humiliation. They will try their best to send troops and generals to fight us, and then we can defeat them and force him Sue for peace with us...and the road to victory is complete.”

Under the gaze of the baron, Marshal Treville listened to his narrative quietly. Then, he suddenly smiled and seemed to look at the commander with some respect.

"Wonderful conclusion, I completely agree with you. I also plan this way. The primary target is Odessa and the secondary target is Crimea. Both of these places can make the Tsar heartbroken. More importantly, The land is able to leverage our maritime advantages.”

"I'm glad that at least at the beginning, our ideas are completely consistent..." Seeing that he no longer had to quarrel with the French on the first day, Baron Raglan breathed a sigh of relief. "In that case, let's follow the instructions Let’s use this basic strategy to formulate our joint operations plan.”

"I personally suggest that before formulating a plan, it is best for the British and French combined fleet to conduct a most basic test of Odessa's defense situation." Marshal Treville said calmly, "If Odessa is empty and weak, Then we will land in Odessa directly. If that doesn't work, at least we can make the port suffer irreparable losses and let the Russians remember the lessons we have taught."

Baron Raglan was startled for a moment, and then looked at the several naval officers next to him, and these naval officers all nodded, indicating that they were eager to attack the Russians as soon as possible.

As the ruler of all the oceans on the earth at this time, the Royal Navy's pride and dignity certainly cannot allow them to shrink in the face of such a challenge.

"In order to demonstrate this operation of the coalition forces, I think it can be led by the British." Marshal Treville seemed full of sincerity, "Of course, during this period, our French fleet did not do anything. Many ships have been scanning the Black Sea for a long time. They are already familiar with the conditions of the Black Sea and the coast. I suggest you cooperate with them in bombardment..."

Baron Raglan discussed it again with his admirals, but Marshal Treville was calm and composed. He understood that the British would never be ungrateful for his expression.

"If this is your opinion..." Sure enough, just a moment later, Baron Raglan nodded, "I have to say, you are a very good general, Marshal, and I am full of confidence in our future cooperation. gained confidence.”

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Just after the two commanders-in-chief, Marshal Treville and Baron Raglan, reached an initial tacit understanding, the coalition forces of the two countries began to take action in full swing. In order to implement the strategy jointly discussed by the two commanders-in-chief, a large number of army officers and soldiers walked out of the barracks. , prepared to enter the transport ship again, land in Bulgaria to fight the Russian army that penetrated deep into Turkey, and the maritime forces of the two countries were even more powerful, crossing the strait directly into the Black Sea, and then pressed towards the port of Odessa.

Today's weather is quite good. The usually cloudy Black Sea is now clear. After the thin clouds, the sun selflessly spreads its light like golden butter on the white sails, exerting its own influence on these human creations. Blessings, looking around, this fleet has a neat lineup, arranged in a majestic formation on the sea, as if it is an armed parade.

They are indeed full of confidence. Since the two countries began to continuously gather fleets to the strait, the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which was already alone and technologically backward, simply did not dare to seek death in front of the combined fleets of Britain and France, so they have long ago Evacuated from the west coast of the Black Sea, hid in safe areas such as Sevastopol and the Sea of ​​Azov, and gave up control of the Black Sea without resistance.

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Under this situation, the British and French fleets seeking a decisive battle with the Russian fleet could only vent their high fighting spirit elsewhere.

After several hours of sailing, when the sun began to slowly set from the top of the sky, the fleet arrived outside the port of Odessa.

Since the outbreak of the war, this busy commercial port has been silent, like an empty city, but of course this is just an illusion - since the outbreak of the war, because the importance of Odessa was very clear, the Tsar handed it over to Administered by General Osten Saken, and There are a large number of troops stationed here, and Odessa itself also has its own defense force. It has forts on both sides of the port. These forts have been carefully designed and repaired, and they have dozens of guns that can fire twenty-four or forty-eight pounders. Artillery, enough to resist their imaginary Turkish enemies.

However, the current enemy is beyond the expectations of the original designers. It is not the old enemy Turkey, but from the two most powerful countries in Western Europe. Their warships have cannons with greater power and range than the cannons on the forts. Cannons farther away are enough to inflict the most severe blows to these forts.

When it came to the distance opposite the fort and approached the maximum firing range, the fleet slowed down and patrolled silently. The leader of the fleet, Admiral Dundas of the Royal Navy, was standing On the deck of his battleship Roland, he used a telescope to observe the situation on the other side.

Opposite the telescope was the peninsula that penetrated deep into the ocean and the forts above. These forts were protected by parapets, so he couldn't see the specific defense deployment. However, judging from the shining muzzles, these cannons were ready. , although Gu Yingchuochuo couldn't see how many people there were, but they must have been ready to fight.

Next to the admiral, there is a large group of allied warships. One of these warships is the "Princess Charlotte" battleship commanded by Major Eugène de Treville. At this time, he was fighting the last battle. The same, carefully observing the situation of the enemy on the opposite side, but the difference is that this time there is an extra person standing next to him.

"We have already drawn specific maps, with the location and firepower of the forts marked on them. Just follow these maps to guide the bombardment." Kong Ze whispered to Ou Ren, "After the forts are suppressed, Please lead them into the bay, and then... you can wipe out all the warehouses and arsenals on the shore, destroy as many as you can..."

"I understand." Ou Ren responded calmly.

Since receiving the order from his uncle last time, he has understood his mission this time. For him, this is an opportunity to serve the country and the family at the same time. Of course, he does not want to fall behind others.

And this time, after the special request of Marshal Treville, the entire fleet will also use the Princess Charlotte as a guide ship to jointly bombard the port.

The firepower of his warships was weak, and only a few heavy guns could hit the opposite side. However, the firepower of other ships was very fierce, and their numbers were enough to suppress the enemy's forts, so he was full of confidence.

While Ou Ren was still patiently observing and checking the map, a semaphore command suddenly came from the flagship.

He immediately ordered his warships to prepare for the bombardment. Amid the shouts of the officers on board, the entire warship seemed to be suddenly injected with vitality. The two-story deck also shook, and cannons stretched out from the gun ports, ready to pour fire and steel on the opposite target.

These warships with huge sails turned almost at the same moment when they saw the flag signal, and then followed the regular route around the gun turrets. Their sides were already aimed at the opposite turrets, ready to launch an attack at any time.

Then, these warships completed the final deployment and began a silent confrontation with the opposite turrets, as if they were children looking at a giant from afar.

Then, as if in an instant, a large number of flashes accompanied by thunderous roars resounded throughout the sky and the sea, and the violent and harmonious vibrations made these ships shake rhythmically at the same time.

"Bang!"

A loud bang echoed in the sea, and the whistling shells fired by hundreds of cannons flew towards the giant on the opposite side without mercy, and then hit the breastwork and the ground fiercely.

The cannons on the turrets began to roar, but because the range of the cannons was shorter than that of the coalition's naval guns, the shells fell into the water one after another, causing no damage to the coalition fleet.

Seeing that they were in such a superior position, the coalition fleet became more excited. The sailors on each ship were desperately loading their cannons with shells. These high-explosive bombs bombarded the opposite turret without scruples, bringing terrible shocks, making the world tremble...

Soon, these turrets had lost the power to fight back. Although there were still many brave gunners who continued to fire, they could no longer pose any threat.

Eugene used a telescope to look at the warehouses and houses that were vaguely visible in the port. These guys who couldn't move were now lambs that couldn't resist. As long as the fleet entered, the entire port would be like a hard-boiled egg with its shell peeled off, waiting for the baptism of blood and fire.

"Then blow them all up!" he shouted loudly.