Chapter 254: Break-Up Unhappy
In response to Frederick's deployment, Kirchbach's Fifth Army and the Hechingen Brigade were tasked with preventing the French Rhine Army from moving south to support the Chalon Army.
Napoleon III initiated troop withdrawals, aiming to prevent Prussia from cutting off the connection between McMahon and his Rhine Army. This could have resulted in being caught between two opposing forces. To counter this threat, he ordered the French Fifth Army to move south to support Marshal McMahon's troops.
Leopold, the commander of the Hechingen Brigade, had different views on the deployment. He questioned the choice of a small village called Valdovisan as their location, considering it too close to the rear and difficult to find on the map. However, Kirchbach, in command of the Fifth Army, asserted the importance of deploying the Hechingen Brigade on the front line due to their lack of battlefield experience.
Despite their differences, Leopold insisted on the deployment in Valdovisan, highlighting the capabilities of the Hechingen Brigade and emphasizing that he followed the orders of Crown Prince William and the General Staff.
Kirchbach, while acknowledging the combat power of the Hechingen Brigade, expressed confidence in the Fifth Army's strength, its numerous soldiers from other states in the North German Federation, and the leadership of Prussian veterans. He believed that they would grow rapidly in the face of the war.
Leopold left the discussion with a firm decision, and Kirchbach acknowledged his authority while making contingency plans to support the Hechingen Brigade if needed.
Leopold later reflected on the situation, recognizing the importance of proving the Hechingen Brigade's capabilities on the battlefield, despite their lack of prior combat experience. He saw their potential as a modern and effective light infantry force and was determined to demonstrate their worth in battle.
The tension between Leopold and Kirchbach reflected the challenges of coordination and strategy within the Prussian forces during the Franco-Prussian War.