Ilse had a problem, she had to get back across the river urgently if her information was to be of any use. That meant that she couldn’t use the normal route used by the smugglers. A boat had been left concealed on the west bank for just such a contingency, however a pair of French sentries were positioned close by. She sneaked up as close as possible, but there appeared to be no way to get to the boat unseen, and the sentries showed no sign of moving.
Just as she began to despair she heard a slight rustling and saw Hans appear beside her. Before she could say anything he whispered “If you can distract them I’ll take them from behind” Ilse indicated agreement and Hans disappeared again.
Once she judged sufficient time had passed, Ilse crawled back and then rose behind a copse so it would appear that she was just walking along the riverbank. She then walked towards the sentries.
“Who goes there? Approach slowly!”
Ilse walked towards the sentries, both of whom were watching her intently.
“Have you seen my mule? I’ve lost it and the other sentries said it came this way” said Ilse in German.
As she neared the sentries, one turned to the other and said in French “Jacques it’s my turn first” then said to her in German “Please come closer”
Once she was within a hands reach of the sentry he exclaimed “Don’t move, I need to search you.” A sudden noise caused him to turn and see Jacques with a knife at his throat and before he could react another was at his.
The two Frenchmen then had their hands tied and were gagged before being led to the riverbank. Expecting the worst they found that one of their captors was retrieving a boat from the bushes. They were forced onto the boat and then made to row out and then across the river.
Monday, 8 February 2010
Saturday, 6 February 2010
The other side of the River (1)
As the table was cleared of plates, General Bercollin stood up an address his officers. “We have had a set back but we must continue the struggle and raise it to the next level” He could see the rhetoric was pitched at the right intensity for Laine. “Now in four days or possibly five the barges will be ready. These are far more sturdy than the rafts and can take up to 200 men each, however I had arranged for two of them to have guns fitted so we can have fire support as we land. Our target this time is here” pointing at the map at a point west of Bruckewasser in the Duchy of Pommaine. “There is a battery covering the two possible landing points, but other than that there is no back up, the Pommaine militia are only sufficient to defend Bruckewasser itself.”
Colonel Dwizok the Polish commander leaned forward “But what about the Frundsbergers?”
“Yes Colonel, we know that all that are available to them are just some training units and militia, we were just unlucky crossing the river at Stonew, they certainly can’t help out Pommaine”
Twyth leaned back in his chair, already bored, partly because he had worked with the General on the plan but also he felt very content. As always he had been suspicious of the wine provided as anything half decent had already been pillaged. He was amazed on the first sip to find it was Cidre, one of the pleasures from home, so given the others didn’t regard it with the same affection he had a generous share of that available.
Representative Laine was also bored and he just upped and left the room, once the topic moved onto Logistics. The General continued speaking but signalled to Twyth, who then moved to the door and listened intently to the departing footsteps then indicated the all clear.
“Once again Colonel Claret I must apologise for the loss of your men, I do not intend for this to happen again, the other officers nodded. So please all of you refer any attempt by the Representative to give orders immediately to me, and …..”
“Twyth signalled as he heard footsteps
“Now about these replacements” continued the General as Twyth grabbed the serving wench and indicated to her to open the door. This she did to find Laine standing outside, “Ah Representative, we were discussing training the new levies, would you like some time explaining to them our worthy cause, would before or after musket practice be best for you?”
“After would be best, goodnight Citizens” and walked off down the passage.
The meeting drew to a close and as the officers departed, Twyth buoyed up by the alcohol decided to try his luck with the serving wench as she gathered up the last glasses. Taking an indirect approach he approached from behind and grabbed her firmly by the waist. “Thank you for an excellent meal mademoiselle”
Her response was not quite what he expected as she turned, kissed him, then escaped down the corridor with the glasses.
Ah well thought Twyth, a good start but hopefully better luck tomorrow.
Colonel Dwizok the Polish commander leaned forward “But what about the Frundsbergers?”
“Yes Colonel, we know that all that are available to them are just some training units and militia, we were just unlucky crossing the river at Stonew, they certainly can’t help out Pommaine”
Twyth leaned back in his chair, already bored, partly because he had worked with the General on the plan but also he felt very content. As always he had been suspicious of the wine provided as anything half decent had already been pillaged. He was amazed on the first sip to find it was Cidre, one of the pleasures from home, so given the others didn’t regard it with the same affection he had a generous share of that available.
Representative Laine was also bored and he just upped and left the room, once the topic moved onto Logistics. The General continued speaking but signalled to Twyth, who then moved to the door and listened intently to the departing footsteps then indicated the all clear.
“Once again Colonel Claret I must apologise for the loss of your men, I do not intend for this to happen again, the other officers nodded. So please all of you refer any attempt by the Representative to give orders immediately to me, and …..”
“Twyth signalled as he heard footsteps
“Now about these replacements” continued the General as Twyth grabbed the serving wench and indicated to her to open the door. This she did to find Laine standing outside, “Ah Representative, we were discussing training the new levies, would you like some time explaining to them our worthy cause, would before or after musket practice be best for you?”
“After would be best, goodnight Citizens” and walked off down the passage.
The meeting drew to a close and as the officers departed, Twyth buoyed up by the alcohol decided to try his luck with the serving wench as she gathered up the last glasses. Taking an indirect approach he approached from behind and grabbed her firmly by the waist. “Thank you for an excellent meal mademoiselle”
Her response was not quite what he expected as she turned, kissed him, then escaped down the corridor with the glasses.
Ah well thought Twyth, a good start but hopefully better luck tomorrow.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Meeting the General (2)
Stammpot announced “Cadet Von Wettin, Sire” clicked his heels and left the room.
Friedrich saluted but he must have looked pale as the General waved Friedrich to a chair. “don’t mind Stammpot, he’s Dutch and likes to do things by the book, but he’s a very efficient ADC.”
“Now, I’ve scanned your report and its recommendations, it seems very thorough. Did you have help?”
“Well Major Von Barner did give me a copy of another inspection to use as a basis for my report.”
“Just what I thought”
“I did leave a copy of the report with the Major”
“Excellent, then nothing else needs to be done; the Major will send me his responses in due course. You do realise that the Major is a master of the Kliene Krieg and if he had not retired when he did, he could have been a general by now, like his contempory General Hoehmann."
“No sir I had not realised, but now you mention it, all the traps, etc seem to make sense”
“OK, now what I really need to hear from you is exactly what was said by the French prisoners”
Friedrich then explained to the General almost verbatim what had happened, he was particularly interested in the comments about the Representative en Mission and the troops feelings that they were being sacrificed to no purpose.
“Thank you” said the General “Now before you leave Prince Friedrich,there is one more matter to be considered”
“Yes, Sir” said Friedrich intrigued by the change in tone.
“As you are now aware we are about to be invaded by the French and I regret that your course at the Kriegsakademie will be postponed. Therefore as a foreign cadet you are now free to do whatever you wish until your course restarts. Obviously your father will be most concerned and we will write to him accordingly also mentioning that you are one of our brightest cadets and that we hope for your return when the course restarts.”
”Sir if I may, I have a proposal I would like to discuss with you“
“Very well, continue”
Friedrich explained his idea of forming a Frei Korps from the various nobles taking the waters at Sonnenbad who all talked about fighting the French, but seemed more concerned about precedence. “I thought I could use my status as a Prince of the Empire to force them to put up or shut up and hopefully the former, Sir.”
“Interesting, obviously they would only want to serve as cavalry”
“Yes”
“But it takes more than an excellent leader with sufficient status to raise a unit” “Stammpot!”
“Stammpot emerged from his room
“Stammpot, fetch my second letter and please check if we still have those hussar uniforms and equipment available.”
“Now young man, these dandies need fine uniforms as well and I will find you some suitable members of the Gendarmerie who are used to dealing with “gentlemen” to assist you with training, You do realise that we have very little time to prepare, so much of the training will be in the field.”
Stammpott reappeared “There are 100 sets of hussar uniforms available Sir, and here is the letter.”
“Are you certain you wish to do this Prince Friedrich?”
“Yes Sir”
The General took the letter from Stammpot and signed it. “Major Von Wettin, here is your commission in the armed forces of the Frundsberg Frei Stadt. Your authorisation to raise a FreiHusssarenKorps will follow shortly.“
“Thank you for the commission Sir, I had not expected to be appointed as a Major”
“It’s only fitting given your capabilities and besides your dandies wouldn’t follow a mere captain”. “Now, Stammpot will sort everything out that you will need”
Friedrich saluted but he must have looked pale as the General waved Friedrich to a chair. “don’t mind Stammpot, he’s Dutch and likes to do things by the book, but he’s a very efficient ADC.”
“Now, I’ve scanned your report and its recommendations, it seems very thorough. Did you have help?”
“Well Major Von Barner did give me a copy of another inspection to use as a basis for my report.”
“Just what I thought”
“I did leave a copy of the report with the Major”
“Excellent, then nothing else needs to be done; the Major will send me his responses in due course. You do realise that the Major is a master of the Kliene Krieg and if he had not retired when he did, he could have been a general by now, like his contempory General Hoehmann."
“No sir I had not realised, but now you mention it, all the traps, etc seem to make sense”
“OK, now what I really need to hear from you is exactly what was said by the French prisoners”
Friedrich then explained to the General almost verbatim what had happened, he was particularly interested in the comments about the Representative en Mission and the troops feelings that they were being sacrificed to no purpose.
“Thank you” said the General “Now before you leave Prince Friedrich,there is one more matter to be considered”
“Yes, Sir” said Friedrich intrigued by the change in tone.
“As you are now aware we are about to be invaded by the French and I regret that your course at the Kriegsakademie will be postponed. Therefore as a foreign cadet you are now free to do whatever you wish until your course restarts. Obviously your father will be most concerned and we will write to him accordingly also mentioning that you are one of our brightest cadets and that we hope for your return when the course restarts.”
”Sir if I may, I have a proposal I would like to discuss with you“
“Very well, continue”
Friedrich explained his idea of forming a Frei Korps from the various nobles taking the waters at Sonnenbad who all talked about fighting the French, but seemed more concerned about precedence. “I thought I could use my status as a Prince of the Empire to force them to put up or shut up and hopefully the former, Sir.”
“Interesting, obviously they would only want to serve as cavalry”
“Yes”
“But it takes more than an excellent leader with sufficient status to raise a unit” “Stammpot!”
“Stammpot emerged from his room
“Stammpot, fetch my second letter and please check if we still have those hussar uniforms and equipment available.”
“Now young man, these dandies need fine uniforms as well and I will find you some suitable members of the Gendarmerie who are used to dealing with “gentlemen” to assist you with training, You do realise that we have very little time to prepare, so much of the training will be in the field.”
Stammpott reappeared “There are 100 sets of hussar uniforms available Sir, and here is the letter.”
“Are you certain you wish to do this Prince Friedrich?”
“Yes Sir”
The General took the letter from Stammpot and signed it. “Major Von Wettin, here is your commission in the armed forces of the Frundsberg Frei Stadt. Your authorisation to raise a FreiHusssarenKorps will follow shortly.“
“Thank you for the commission Sir, I had not expected to be appointed as a Major”
“It’s only fitting given your capabilities and besides your dandies wouldn’t follow a mere captain”. “Now, Stammpot will sort everything out that you will need”
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Meeting the General (1)
By late afternoon Friedrich arrived in Pappenheim, already the city seemed to be on a heightened state of alert. Weaving his way through the streets he made his way to the Frundsberg Army HQ.
Outside the HQ the sentry from the Stabskompanie stood at ease enjoying the last of the spring sun. The stabskompanie was easily recognised as their yellow coats had purple facings, but less so was the fact that all the members had at least five years service and frequently decorated for gallantry.
Dismounting and collecting his documents Friedrich strode towards the entrance only to find the sentry blocking his path.
“Ihr ausweiss bitte“
”Sorry, no one issued me with a pass, what is going on?“
“Every since yesterday security has been strengthened and no one without a pass is admitted unless they are known by the duty sergeant“
But I have an urgent report for General Wurst”
The sentry shouted back through the door “Sergeant, we have another problem”
The sergeant emerged and asked about Friedrich’s business and he explained that he had a despatch from Major Von Barner for the General.
“OK, so if you know the Major, what is his son’s name?”
“Ilse” responded Friedrich quickly remembering.
“OK Sir, just go up the stairs and take the first door on the left and you will find the General’s Aide Captain Stammpot.
Knocking and entering Friedrich found a smart but stern individual behind a desk “Cadet Wettin Sir, with despatches from Major Von Barner and an Inspection Report on Stonew”
A surprisingly tall Stammpot stood took the documents from him, gave them a quick scan and stated bluntly “Wait here” and exited through another door. Moments later he emerged. “You will wait here until a decision is made” “Please sit over there and do not disturb me unless absolutely necessary” Stammpot sat down and recommenced work on his papers.
At least thirty minutes later a bell rang and Stammpot exited back through the door again, emerging shortly to say “the General would like to hear your evidence now”
Friedrich blanched, what had the Major written in his report? Well he had nothing to lose so he marched in to the lions den.
Outside the HQ the sentry from the Stabskompanie stood at ease enjoying the last of the spring sun. The stabskompanie was easily recognised as their yellow coats had purple facings, but less so was the fact that all the members had at least five years service and frequently decorated for gallantry.
Dismounting and collecting his documents Friedrich strode towards the entrance only to find the sentry blocking his path.
“Ihr ausweiss bitte“
”Sorry, no one issued me with a pass, what is going on?“
“Every since yesterday security has been strengthened and no one without a pass is admitted unless they are known by the duty sergeant“
But I have an urgent report for General Wurst”
The sentry shouted back through the door “Sergeant, we have another problem”
The sergeant emerged and asked about Friedrich’s business and he explained that he had a despatch from Major Von Barner for the General.
“OK, so if you know the Major, what is his son’s name?”
“Ilse” responded Friedrich quickly remembering.
“OK Sir, just go up the stairs and take the first door on the left and you will find the General’s Aide Captain Stammpot.
Knocking and entering Friedrich found a smart but stern individual behind a desk “Cadet Wettin Sir, with despatches from Major Von Barner and an Inspection Report on Stonew”
A surprisingly tall Stammpot stood took the documents from him, gave them a quick scan and stated bluntly “Wait here” and exited through another door. Moments later he emerged. “You will wait here until a decision is made” “Please sit over there and do not disturb me unless absolutely necessary” Stammpot sat down and recommenced work on his papers.
At least thirty minutes later a bell rang and Stammpot exited back through the door again, emerging shortly to say “the General would like to hear your evidence now”
Friedrich blanched, what had the Major written in his report? Well he had nothing to lose so he marched in to the lions den.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Aufweidersehen
Waking early, Friedrich realised that in the rush of the previous evening he had failed to make a courtesy copy of his inspection report for the Major. Calling for breakfast, paper and a pen, he quickly set to work on an additional copy.
All completed, he enjoyed a final cup of coffee, while his horse was saddled and brought to the front of the tavern. When Friedrich attempted to pay, the owner refused saying that the bill would be paid by the Commandant.
He quickly crossed the square to the Commandants house intending to hand over the report to Hans or whoever else of the staff was up at the time.
He was amazed when the door was opened by Ilse, but even more so by the way she was dressed, just like a tavern wench.
“Good Morning Ilse, I had not expected to see you this early. I forgot to make a copy of my report for your father. I hope he will find it of some use.
“Certainly Friedrich, will we see you again?”
“Hopefully, but I cannot delay as I’m sure the General would like your Father’s report as soon as possible”
“Aufweidersehen Ilse”
“Aufweidersehen Friedrich”
As he was about to leave the square Friedrich looked back to see Ilse still at the door. He gave a wave and was gratified when Ilse waved back.
As Ilse shut the door she saw her sister on the stairs, ”Well you’ve certainly made an impression there.” Said Bettina
“You must be joking to think he’d be interested in a town mouse like me. He must be the son of a Graf or some such. Besides who will look after father, once you have married Jens”
As his horse gently trotted along the Hauptstrasse Friedrich reflected on the last 24 hours. Ilse was quite a character, and he hoped his father would arrange a marriage with someone like her, but he suspected he would end up with some dull Prussian princess or a sickly Austrian archduchess. He now appreciated the strong professionalism and camaraderie of the Frundsberg officers and men.
With the French more than likely to invade the Freistadt, Friedrich felt that he had a decision to make. It was more than likely that his course of study would be disrupted if not ended. Should he stay and fight or just return home. Thinking back to the previous evening an idea struck him and he immediately spurred his horse into a canter.
All completed, he enjoyed a final cup of coffee, while his horse was saddled and brought to the front of the tavern. When Friedrich attempted to pay, the owner refused saying that the bill would be paid by the Commandant.
He quickly crossed the square to the Commandants house intending to hand over the report to Hans or whoever else of the staff was up at the time.
He was amazed when the door was opened by Ilse, but even more so by the way she was dressed, just like a tavern wench.
“Good Morning Ilse, I had not expected to see you this early. I forgot to make a copy of my report for your father. I hope he will find it of some use.
“Certainly Friedrich, will we see you again?”
“Hopefully, but I cannot delay as I’m sure the General would like your Father’s report as soon as possible”
“Aufweidersehen Ilse”
“Aufweidersehen Friedrich”
As he was about to leave the square Friedrich looked back to see Ilse still at the door. He gave a wave and was gratified when Ilse waved back.
As Ilse shut the door she saw her sister on the stairs, ”Well you’ve certainly made an impression there.” Said Bettina
“You must be joking to think he’d be interested in a town mouse like me. He must be the son of a Graf or some such. Besides who will look after father, once you have married Jens”
As his horse gently trotted along the Hauptstrasse Friedrich reflected on the last 24 hours. Ilse was quite a character, and he hoped his father would arrange a marriage with someone like her, but he suspected he would end up with some dull Prussian princess or a sickly Austrian archduchess. He now appreciated the strong professionalism and camaraderie of the Frundsberg officers and men.
With the French more than likely to invade the Freistadt, Friedrich felt that he had a decision to make. It was more than likely that his course of study would be disrupted if not ended. Should he stay and fight or just return home. Thinking back to the previous evening an idea struck him and he immediately spurred his horse into a canter.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
A celebratory dinner
After tidying himself up and now wearing his cadet uniform, Friedrich arrived back at the Commandant’s house at the specified hour and was waved inside by Hans to where Ilse was waiting. She then led him into the dining room where most of the other guests were gathered. Last to arrive was Stupenhagel the local commander of posts and customs a very dour individual.
Friedrich found himself seated with Ilse on one side and Bettina on the other and Captain Mannerheim opposite
The Major opened with “Welcome everyone, to my small celebration of today’s victory, but first a moments silence in remembrance of those who fell in battle”
“Now for the benefit of our young guest I’ll quickly introduce you all”
….
“And now young fellow please introduce yourself”
Friedrich introduced himself as Friedrich von Wettin a senior cadet at the Kriegsakademie and that he hoped to graduate this summer and then either find a position on some general’s staff or perhaps do some travelling first.
”Are you related to the current Elector?” asked Captain Mannerheim
Friedrich dreaded this question, but he had a response ready “Like most Saxons I’m related to Frederick the Strong.”
The room all burst into laughter, except for Stupenhagel who had to have the joke explained as he was not aware that Frederick the Strong, the Saxon Elector, who had died 50 years earlier, had sired over 350 children, all but one illegitimate.
The soup was then served and most of Friedrich’s conversation was with the two sisters, especially with Ilse. Bettina was engaged to a Jens a Danish Trader and she hoped to be married shortly, but Ilse was unattached.
Listening in on the banter between the militia officers, who originated from various parts of Germany, Friedrich realised that the real common factor was that they had all served in the Fundsberg forces and had since settled in Stonew. Quite typical was Captain Mannerheim who now ran the local bank. All of them had a large collection of anecdotes of places near and far.
Friedrich himself described the high life in Sonnenbad and the large numbers of German nobles talking the waters who talked about the need to resist the French. “The trouble is that each and everyone of them thinks they should be in charge”
At the close of the evening, Hans passed around the table handing out small glasses of schnapps.
The Major then rapped the table for silence. “Gentlemen, and ladies, a toast” everyone rose “Frundsberg forever” They all stood, raised their glasses and roared “Frundsberg forever” then downed the schnapps.
A little while later Ilse led Friedrich to the front door. Opening it, she thanked him for being such an entertaining guest “I still don’t know exactly who you are, but I’ll find out!”
“Gnädige fraulein, it has been a real pleasure” Friedrich kissed her hand and left.
Friedrich found himself seated with Ilse on one side and Bettina on the other and Captain Mannerheim opposite
The Major opened with “Welcome everyone, to my small celebration of today’s victory, but first a moments silence in remembrance of those who fell in battle”
“Now for the benefit of our young guest I’ll quickly introduce you all”
….
“And now young fellow please introduce yourself”
Friedrich introduced himself as Friedrich von Wettin a senior cadet at the Kriegsakademie and that he hoped to graduate this summer and then either find a position on some general’s staff or perhaps do some travelling first.
”Are you related to the current Elector?” asked Captain Mannerheim
Friedrich dreaded this question, but he had a response ready “Like most Saxons I’m related to Frederick the Strong.”
The room all burst into laughter, except for Stupenhagel who had to have the joke explained as he was not aware that Frederick the Strong, the Saxon Elector, who had died 50 years earlier, had sired over 350 children, all but one illegitimate.
The soup was then served and most of Friedrich’s conversation was with the two sisters, especially with Ilse. Bettina was engaged to a Jens a Danish Trader and she hoped to be married shortly, but Ilse was unattached.
Listening in on the banter between the militia officers, who originated from various parts of Germany, Friedrich realised that the real common factor was that they had all served in the Fundsberg forces and had since settled in Stonew. Quite typical was Captain Mannerheim who now ran the local bank. All of them had a large collection of anecdotes of places near and far.
Friedrich himself described the high life in Sonnenbad and the large numbers of German nobles talking the waters who talked about the need to resist the French. “The trouble is that each and everyone of them thinks they should be in charge”
At the close of the evening, Hans passed around the table handing out small glasses of schnapps.
The Major then rapped the table for silence. “Gentlemen, and ladies, a toast” everyone rose “Frundsberg forever” They all stood, raised their glasses and roared “Frundsberg forever” then downed the schnapps.
A little while later Ilse led Friedrich to the front door. Opening it, she thanked him for being such an entertaining guest “I still don’t know exactly who you are, but I’ll find out!”
“Gnädige fraulein, it has been a real pleasure” Friedrich kissed her hand and left.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Carrying out the inspection
On entering the dining room Ilse became the perfect hostess pouring the tea into fine china and offering Friedrich the choice of cakes.
“H’mm these are good”
“Yes, my sister excels at these things”
“And your mother also?”
“I don’t know, mother died when I was five just before father returned from the Americas”
“I am sorry” Friedrich regretted raising the subject.
“When Bettina my older sister was fourteen she sacked our house keeper and took over the running of the household.
“And yourself, apart from interrogation, what do you excel at?”
Ilse smiled and Friedrich realised how attractive she was.
“I’m the son my father never had, I help him in all his work, I can shoot better than most foresters, ride with the hunt and even fence. Now what would you like to inspect?”
“Well let’s start with a walk around the outside of the town while the weather is fine”
Ilse led Friedrich back out through the north lane, pointing out how the ambush had been arranged. Once outside the town she pointed out the water filled ditch.
“Doesn’t seem much of an obstacle and there are no town walls here”
“Ah, but you can’t see what’s in the bottom. A few years ago during a long dry spell my father had the militia place sharpened stakes in the bottom and if you look carefully behind the bushes you can see the chevaux de frises that can be used to block the lane where it crossed the ditch”
Further on there were the remains of the old medieval walls and gate where the Hauptstrasse entered the town.
“I assume that one of your father’s surprises is a cauldron of boiling oil up there!”
“No, but let’s climb up as you get a good view from there”
After a stiff climb they reached the top of one of the twin turrets, the gates and brickwork were all sound and would certainly resist any attack except by artillery.
Ilse then pointed out the all major features and explained the strategic position of Stonew, covering the gap between the river and the Pidnem hills.
“Now you see that wood over there" said Ilse pointing at a distant clump of trees by the Hauptstrasse “that was where you were spotted”
“How exactly, I didn’t see anyone on the walls?”
“Well if you look behind you at the church steeple about half way up you will see some missing tiles. Inside is an observation post with a telescope, but young Ernst didn’t need that he has very sharp eyesight. Once he knew which way you were heading he informed the militia on duty who prepared the trap”
They then worked their way to the south where Ilse pointed out where some of the French had landed.
“It was exactly where we had expected them. Captain Tettau’s company of Freischutze had marched over from the hills and were waiting in ambush at Kleine Slatz, that’s the village with the large barn”
“But how did you know they were coming?”
“That’s another one of our surprises, we were lucky that this morning’s rainstorm occurred after the crossing, otherwise it would have been more difficult to stop them. Also once we knew what was planned the General sent us a couple of guns from the Garrison Artillery.”
“Now if you look slightly to the left you’ll see the temporary footbridges used to cross the ditch for Captain Rhetz’s counterattack, normally they’re hidden, but they haven’t done that yet.”
“So General Wurst was aware that there would be an attack”
“Yes…….but I can’t tell you any more, come let’s go to the quay”
The couple re-entered the town, Friedrich carefully looking out for traps and spotting one.
On the quay there appear to be a group of fishermen intently casting their line into the river.
“There must be large stupid fish here from the look of the hooks and lines being used” said Friedrich
Ilse laughed, lifting his spirits “It’s quite simple, when you know about their target. The French lost a lot of muskets and equipment in the water and they are well worth recovering. Now, did you notice anything on the way here?”
“Only a mobile chevaux de frises on the south lane”
“OK, now walk back up the passage to the first gate and tell me what is unusual about it”
“Hmm, it’s higher than usual for a garden gate, and ……. it swings across to block the passage, and it can be bolted shut.
“Good, now look at the gun positions”
“Each has excellent all round fields of fire, including the quay, and abbatis to prevent attack, presumably the crew enters via the adjoining building”
“Yes, but if you look they have no access from the quay”
“OK, so where were you during the battle?”
Ilse pointed to a high window “I was up there with an old fowling piece, all that was available, but I shot at least three Frenchmen.
”
“Thank you Ilse, it has been a most pleasant and informative inspection”
“But. I could muster the militia, so you could check their equipment”
“No, they have already done more than enough today to demonstrate their abilities. I think the best thing now is for me to write my inspection report”
“H’mm these are good”
“Yes, my sister excels at these things”
“And your mother also?”
“I don’t know, mother died when I was five just before father returned from the Americas”
“I am sorry” Friedrich regretted raising the subject.
“When Bettina my older sister was fourteen she sacked our house keeper and took over the running of the household.
“And yourself, apart from interrogation, what do you excel at?”
Ilse smiled and Friedrich realised how attractive she was.
“I’m the son my father never had, I help him in all his work, I can shoot better than most foresters, ride with the hunt and even fence. Now what would you like to inspect?”
“Well let’s start with a walk around the outside of the town while the weather is fine”
Ilse led Friedrich back out through the north lane, pointing out how the ambush had been arranged. Once outside the town she pointed out the water filled ditch.
“Doesn’t seem much of an obstacle and there are no town walls here”
“Ah, but you can’t see what’s in the bottom. A few years ago during a long dry spell my father had the militia place sharpened stakes in the bottom and if you look carefully behind the bushes you can see the chevaux de frises that can be used to block the lane where it crossed the ditch”
Further on there were the remains of the old medieval walls and gate where the Hauptstrasse entered the town.
“I assume that one of your father’s surprises is a cauldron of boiling oil up there!”
“No, but let’s climb up as you get a good view from there”
After a stiff climb they reached the top of one of the twin turrets, the gates and brickwork were all sound and would certainly resist any attack except by artillery.
Ilse then pointed out the all major features and explained the strategic position of Stonew, covering the gap between the river and the Pidnem hills.
“Now you see that wood over there" said Ilse pointing at a distant clump of trees by the Hauptstrasse “that was where you were spotted”
“How exactly, I didn’t see anyone on the walls?”
“Well if you look behind you at the church steeple about half way up you will see some missing tiles. Inside is an observation post with a telescope, but young Ernst didn’t need that he has very sharp eyesight. Once he knew which way you were heading he informed the militia on duty who prepared the trap”
They then worked their way to the south where Ilse pointed out where some of the French had landed.
“It was exactly where we had expected them. Captain Tettau’s company of Freischutze had marched over from the hills and were waiting in ambush at Kleine Slatz, that’s the village with the large barn”
“But how did you know they were coming?”
“That’s another one of our surprises, we were lucky that this morning’s rainstorm occurred after the crossing, otherwise it would have been more difficult to stop them. Also once we knew what was planned the General sent us a couple of guns from the Garrison Artillery.”
“Now if you look slightly to the left you’ll see the temporary footbridges used to cross the ditch for Captain Rhetz’s counterattack, normally they’re hidden, but they haven’t done that yet.”
“So General Wurst was aware that there would be an attack”
“Yes…….but I can’t tell you any more, come let’s go to the quay”
The couple re-entered the town, Friedrich carefully looking out for traps and spotting one.
On the quay there appear to be a group of fishermen intently casting their line into the river.
“There must be large stupid fish here from the look of the hooks and lines being used” said Friedrich
Ilse laughed, lifting his spirits “It’s quite simple, when you know about their target. The French lost a lot of muskets and equipment in the water and they are well worth recovering. Now, did you notice anything on the way here?”
“Only a mobile chevaux de frises on the south lane”
“OK, now walk back up the passage to the first gate and tell me what is unusual about it”
“Hmm, it’s higher than usual for a garden gate, and ……. it swings across to block the passage, and it can be bolted shut.
“Good, now look at the gun positions”
“Each has excellent all round fields of fire, including the quay, and abbatis to prevent attack, presumably the crew enters via the adjoining building”
“Yes, but if you look they have no access from the quay”
“OK, so where were you during the battle?”
Ilse pointed to a high window “I was up there with an old fowling piece, all that was available, but I shot at least three Frenchmen.
”
“Thank you Ilse, it has been a most pleasant and informative inspection”
“But. I could muster the militia, so you could check their equipment”
“No, they have already done more than enough today to demonstrate their abilities. I think the best thing now is for me to write my inspection report”
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