Chapter 654: For Victory (please read it!)
Joseph knew very well that Russia's strategic goal this time was not to eat Poland in one bite, but to occupy several eastern Orthodox provinces.
Therefore, the Battle of Warsaw will not occur - once Poland retreats westward, the Russian army will stop attacking and begin to digest the occupied land. The defeat of the army will make it difficult for the Polish government not to accept the armistice agreement.
In addition, once the Russian army gained an advantage, Prussia would immediately stab Poland in the back.
Therefore, Poland must defend its eastern territory, otherwise it will repeat the second partition of Poland in history.
But how to stop the Russian army seems to be an unsolvable problem...
As Berthier continued to tell the whole battle plan, the eyes of the Polish officers became wider and wider.
"...In this way, we can form a confrontation with Russia. The Russians will have no choice but to cease the war as their losses increase day by day..."
Rewski swallowed and subconsciously said:
"This...is this too radical?"
Joseph immediately said:
"No, please believe that this is the only way to save Poland."
Yes, this was the tactic he finally decided on - he chose the most radical one from the many combat plans of the staff, and then combined it with the classic battle examples of later generations to make it more radical. Finally, it was left to Berthier and his staff to complete the specific tactical design.
As a weak side, Poland must be able to risk its life in order to have a chance of survival.
And he knew that even if this plan ultimately failed, the result would not be worse than the result of passive defense. Moreover, neither Russia nor Prussia, Austria, or even other Western European countries want Russia to have direct contact with Central European countries.
Therefore, Poland is never in danger of being destroyed.
In this case, why not give it a try?
And once this "mad dog" posture is successful, it can have a very good deterrent effect, causing Prussia and Austria to retreat in spite of difficulties.
But Poniatowski and his officers were looking at each other, and they all saw in each other's eyes "Why are these French people more radical than us?"
"Your Highness, if we fight like this, the middle route army may be very dangerous, even..."
Kosciuszko took a deep breath and calmly interrupted:
"I think His Highness's plan is very good. To be honest, this is the first time in recent times that I have seen hope of preserving the east. I am willing to serve as the commander of the Central Army."
Joseph took a deep look at this great Polish national hero.
Some heroes need the right circumstances to achieve success, while some heroes will radiate dazzling light no matter what the situation is.
There is no doubt that Kosciuszko is the latter.
Historically, after Poland was destroyed, he refused to accept the king's surrender order and came to Lesser Poland alone to call on the people there to revolt. After that, he led more than 10,000 rebels equipped with spears, axes and even sickles, defeated Tsarist Russia's encirclement and suppression several times, and ignited the flames of the uprising throughout Poland. It can be said that he is the Polish version of Jiang Wei.
Although his uprising ultimately failed under the joint suppression of Russia, Russia, and Austria, it was the most bloody chapter in the Polish resistance war.
But now, this national hero has stepped forward without hesitation, taking on the most dangerous combat mission with a desperate belief.
A Polish officer stood up:
"Come on, let's have a good fight with the Russians!"
Rewski also clenched his fists and said:
"I also think you can try it!"
All the officers immediately looked at Prince Poniatowski.
The latter thought for a moment and said to Joseph: "Your Highness, with our current strength, it may be difficult to stop the Russian army. In other words, the Russian army may have already broken through Warsaw before our tactics take effect. ”
Joseph nodded: "So you have to expand the army as soon as possible. After the military academy in Warsaw is completed, the army expansion should be faster.
“Besides, don’t forget the ten million people of Poland.
"As long as they are mobilized, even if they lack training, they can still give the Russian army a headache."
The Prince of Poland frowned and said hesitantly:
"We should not place our hopes on ordinary people, who usually only care about their humble lives."
In fact, under Joseph's previous arrangements, Polish nationalism has spread widely in the past two years, and the anti-invasion enthusiasm among the people is extremely high. However, the prince was used to armies supported by nobles, so he inevitably lacked confidence. Joseph said firmly: "Please believe me, you will definitely be able to recruit the troops you need. Moreover, in the most critical situation, you still have a powerful 'weapon' that can be used."
"What is that?"
Joseph glanced at the other Polish officers: "I will tell you when the time comes."
The next afternoon.
In the VIP seats at the Royal Arena in Paris, Prince Poniatowski heard the scorer's voice:
"Natolsky, 25 meters..."
He had no intention of watching the game, and his mind was always occupied with the crazy plan of the French General Staff.
Poland would probably be destroyed after this battle.
Or crumbling under the ravages of war...
At this moment, the referee on the field raised the wooden sign with the result of the game, and the commentators around him immediately shouted:
"Results of the discus competition - American athlete Simons 24.4 meters. Polish athlete Natolski 26 meters. Sardinian athlete..."
In order to allow all spectators to hear, there are 12 commentators in the stadium, each responsible for an area.
After the results were read out, the commentators said in unison:
"The Polish player won the final victory! Poland won!"
Prince Poniatowski suddenly trembled, and felt a passion full of pride surge into his chest.
"Poland, won?"
He whispered: "Poland, won!"
"Yes!! Winning!!!"
He stood up slowly, and the hesitation in his heart disappeared without a trace.
For the sake of victory, for the pride of being a Pole at that moment, let's fight the invaders!
……
Caribbean Sea.
Barbados.
"General, it's time to change your dressing." A military doctor reminded outside the tent.
General Brand, the commander-in-chief of the British Expeditionary Force, glanced at the Frenchman sitting opposite, and winked at his attendant angrily:
"Shut him up."
Then, he turned to the French envoy and said: "Mr. Brissot, 100,000 pounds is too much. It is just a small-scale battle."
"There is also a ship, and the necessary supplies," Brissot corrected.
Yes, he is the negotiator.
He did not conceal the news that he had come to Saint-Domingue on behalf of the French government, for it was announced that he had come to suppress the abolitionist uprising.
Brand frowned: "Look, our army has won the victory, and I can go to the Bahamas myself."
"This is the minimum condition for our troops to go to the Bahamas to help you suppress the rebellion." Brissot looked calm, "The soldiers took a great risk by leaving Magua Fortress."
Brand looked at him with an expression that was sure of him, and his teeth itched with hatred.
However, he had no other way - his thousands of troops had been fighting against the black rebels in Barbados for several months. Although they won the victory with difficulty, the soldiers suffered serious casualties and consumed a lot of physical strength and energy, so they had to take a long rest. Just fine.
And the Bahamas's rebel parliament is already going to elect a president!
(End of chapter)