Chapter 258: Night Attack
Heinrich and Leopold successfully convinced the officers of the Hechingen Brigade to launch a surprise night attack on the French forces in the suburbs of David Wright. The commanders discussed and refined the battle plan, addressing concerns and ensuring that everyone was prepared for the attack.
With the plan in place, preparations for the attack began. The cooking team worked overtime to provide the soldiers with a hearty meal before the operation. Officers distributed cigarettes and beer to their troops to boost morale.
As the clock struck midnight, the soldiers quietly left their fortifications one by one, making their way through wheat fields and approaching the edge of the forest where the French positions were located. Their movements were cautious, and they received instructions to remain low and stealthy as they neared the enemy.
When they reached their positions, Heinrich observed the French camp. The French had not dug trenches and appeared disorganized, indicating that they had arrived hastily.
Heinrich gave the order to prepare the troops, load bayonets and melee weapons in advance, and await the signal to attack. At 12:57, the first shot was fired, signaling the start of the attack.
The Hechingen Brigade rushed into the French position, engaging in close combat. The dark night and chaos favored the Germans, as they could use melee weapons effectively. The French 54th Brigade, taken by surprise, struggled to organize a response.
The French brigade commander attempted to organize his troops but was hit by a bullet. Advised that their lights made them easy targets, the French abandoned the lit areas and prepared to fight in the dark.
In the dark and confusion, German and French soldiers became intermingled. Gunshots echoed in the French camp as both sides engaged in fierce combat. The Hechingen Brigade had the advantage, utilizing bayonets and melee weapons effectively.
The French soldiers, disoriented and outnumbered, began to surrender or flee. The chaos and darkness further disintegrated the French brigade's will to fight.
The noise from the battle attracted the nearby 3rd Brigade of the Fifth Army, led by Robert, who rushed to the scene after their engagement with the French 54th Brigade.
As the battle concluded, the Hechingen Brigade began cleaning the battlefield. Though the exact casualty figures were unclear, the French had suffered heavy losses, and some had fled into the forest, where they would likely be disoriented and unable to regroup.