Berthier
12-03-2011, 00:09
In early 1805 La Grande Armee was positioned in the camp of Boulogne after training for nearly a year it was perhaps the finest fighting force in Europe at the time and possibly for the entire period of the Napoleonic Wars
175176
The army, honed to a razor's edge of sharpness, awaited the order to embark on ships and set sail across La Manche and finally put and end to Perfidious Albion. The fleet such as it was awaited
177
but the Generals were deeply worried
178
The whole "scale" of the fleet seemed wrong.
179
Napoleon mocked his generals, "you have no vision, no courage to take an irrevocable step. You are nothing without me."
"Fools, look again can't you see it is simply a matter of perspective?"
180
Meanwhile, Napoleon's Chief of Staff, Berthier, was also concerned having served with the French in America during the American Revolution he more than anyone understood the perils of transporting an army across the seas without naval supremacy. Unwilling to directly challenge Napoleon's authority he resorted to subterfuge to save the French Army. Writing a secret letter
To The Emperor Francis of Austria, Holy Roman Emperor etc etc and General Mack Quartermaster General to the Army of Germany
I can no longer remain silent whilst the usurper destroys our nation and leads us to oblivion. I was born an aristocrat and remain one and would have you know there is much dissent in The Army of England. The Marshals argue continually over who is the first amongst them, the Generals are afraid to go to sea the soldier's morale falls with each passing day. There will never be a better time to march against him and restore the rightful rulers to France. Tarry not, move against him now, move to Ulm and take up the central position he cannot stand against you. His army is hundreds of miles away and no-one will support him.
The Austrian's could not believe their luck and quickly marched against Napoleon, forcing him to abandon the invasion of England. Ulm and then Austerlitz would follow, glory to France for ever!
And that is the TRUE story of the invasion of England and how Berthier saved La Grande Armee...believe it or not :rolleyes::rolleyes:;);)
175176
The army, honed to a razor's edge of sharpness, awaited the order to embark on ships and set sail across La Manche and finally put and end to Perfidious Albion. The fleet such as it was awaited
177
but the Generals were deeply worried
178
The whole "scale" of the fleet seemed wrong.
179
Napoleon mocked his generals, "you have no vision, no courage to take an irrevocable step. You are nothing without me."
"Fools, look again can't you see it is simply a matter of perspective?"
180
Meanwhile, Napoleon's Chief of Staff, Berthier, was also concerned having served with the French in America during the American Revolution he more than anyone understood the perils of transporting an army across the seas without naval supremacy. Unwilling to directly challenge Napoleon's authority he resorted to subterfuge to save the French Army. Writing a secret letter
To The Emperor Francis of Austria, Holy Roman Emperor etc etc and General Mack Quartermaster General to the Army of Germany
I can no longer remain silent whilst the usurper destroys our nation and leads us to oblivion. I was born an aristocrat and remain one and would have you know there is much dissent in The Army of England. The Marshals argue continually over who is the first amongst them, the Generals are afraid to go to sea the soldier's morale falls with each passing day. There will never be a better time to march against him and restore the rightful rulers to France. Tarry not, move against him now, move to Ulm and take up the central position he cannot stand against you. His army is hundreds of miles away and no-one will support him.
The Austrian's could not believe their luck and quickly marched against Napoleon, forcing him to abandon the invasion of England. Ulm and then Austerlitz would follow, glory to France for ever!
And that is the TRUE story of the invasion of England and how Berthier saved La Grande Armee...believe it or not :rolleyes::rolleyes:;);)