Chapter 323: The Drill

Chapter 323: The Drill

Using this method, the attacking French army swiftly broke through the minefield. At this moment, the French artillery began suppressive fire on the first simulated defensive trench with shrapnel shells because the French soldiers were nearing the barbed wire. Of course, the defenders also started firing blanks and, following a predetermined proportion, random French soldiers were forced to withdraw from the exercise.

The French soldiers forced to withdraw from the exercise took off their jackets, revealing white shirts. They sauntered away from the "battlefield" and found a nearby patch of grass, setting down their rifles and reaching into their leather bags—where they kept bandages, triangular bandages, and pulled out sausages and small bottles of brandy. They ate while sending triumphant laughs toward their still-"alive" comrades.

However, those fortunate enough not to have "died" yet were too preoccupied to mind the revelry of these mock "deceased." They swiftly approached the first line of barbed wire. Several soldiers inserted rod-like objects they held under the wire, then swiftly pulled a fuse, turned around, and ran. The bullets on the exercise field were virtual, most of the shells were as well, but the barbed wire and the smoking explosive tubes under it were very real!

As a series of explosions ensued, the barbed wire suddenly had dozens of breaches. Simultaneously, from the opposing trench, a series of training grenades were launched, and another batch of French soldiers joined the group indulging in sausages and spectating.

The French retaliated with grenades and swiftly stormed the trench. Then, joyously, many soldiers from the League of the Rhine happily sat down beside the "fallen" French soldiers, exchanging food, wine, and various tobacco products, all the while enjoying the spectacle together.

"Wait, why do the exchanges in the trenches favor the French?" complained the Austrian standing next to Bagration. "Even if the French army is a bit more courageous, the exchange rate shouldn't be this skewed."

Bagration also harbored doubts, but he believed the French wouldn't stage such an anomaly in a demonstrative military exercise. Therefore, he refrained from immediately expressing his thoughts and continued observing through his telescope.

Soon enough, Bagration noticed something distinct about the French army.

"Alyosha, take notes for me," Bagration continued with his telescope trained on the "battlefield," addressing his adjutant.

"Yes, General," his adjutant fetched a notebook and a pencil—both French-made.

"Each group of five French soldiers storming the trench forms a combat unit. Two carry rifles with bayonets, while the other three wield shorter firearms—likely specialized weapons for trench combat," Bagration remarked.

Bagration's speculation was spot on. Those French soldiers were equipped with pump-action shotguns specifically designed for close-quarters trench combat. Compared to standard rifles, their range was limited, but within a trench, that wasn't an issue. They could load eight rounds at once, with each pump action completing a firing and reloading motion, almost as fast as a revolver. The shotgun's spread vastly improved their accuracy compared to a revolver. In a trench, these were like weapons of the gods.

During trench combat, soldiers using rifles often ran out of ammunition before this stage of the battle. Hence, they resorted to bayonets or multi-purpose entrenching tools made in France for close combat. While two soldiers with bayonet-equipped rifles held the enemy at bay, those with shotguns unleashed a torrent of fire. The opposing Franks were delighted, shedding their jackets, leaping out of the trench, and heading to the adjacent grassy area to eat, boast, and watch the show.

In almost the blink of an eye, before the picnic audience could finish a bottle of beer, the first trench changed hands, and the tricolor flag fluttered.

"Vive la France!" cheered the onlookers.

Bagration hastened over and inquired, "What kind of gun is this?"

"It's the 1801 shotgun," a French captain replied, saluting. "This gun can fire up to eight rounds at once..."

As he spoke, the captain took the shotgun from the Austrian and began demonstrating how to use these firearms.

"See, beneath the barrel, there's a tube that serves as a magazine, holding seven rounds. Plus, you can fit one more in the chamber, for a maximum of eight shots."

As he spoke, the captain swiftly loaded the gun with cartridges, which were paper tubes with a

small metal piece at the base. Loading them into the magazine didn't take much time.

Then, he pulled back the breechblock, and with a click, the gun was loaded. He raised the gun, pointing it at the sky, and turned to a few foreign generals nearby, saying, "Look, the gun's loaded, and now you can shoot at your targets. Each shot, pull this here, and you're ready for the next. Hmm, who wants to try?"

"I do! I want to try!" Bagration immediately exclaimed, stepping forward and using his broad frame to shield the other spectators behind him.

The captain handed the gun to Bagration. "General, the gun's loaded."

Bagration took the gun, glanced at a human-shaped target about forty meters away, nodded, took aim briefly, and fired a shot, immediately toppling the target. Bagration then pulled the breechblock again and fired another shot, hitting another target.

"How far can this gun shoot?" Bagration asked.

"It's effective at around sixty to seventy meters," the captain answered, "beyond that, it's less accurate."

"Hmm," Bagration nodded. He had already noticed that the French army predominantly equipped itself with standard rifles, presumably for this reason.

"Is your cavalry now considering this as a primary weapon?" Bagration suddenly asked.

The French captain hesitated for a moment, then stammered, "General, regarding this question, um, I can't answer you..."