In the interests of allowing more than one viewpoint to be presented, His Majesty King James III has graciously allowed the early dissemination of military action about to occur. If you will look at the enclosed map, you will see that a significant portion of His Majesty's Royal Navy is poised to unload large quantities of the best fighting men in the world right into the lap of the Usurper's territory. In an incidental note, it is clear that any of France's three remaining heavy Fleets could be put at risk.
The PM believes nothing can be done to prevent this action, and so also extends his benificence to allowing onlookers some thoughts on the upcoming struggle(s):
First, it is obvious that there are three primary targets available to the British regulars: Brest, La Rochelle, and the prize, Lorient. Brest and La Rochelle each contain a single heavy fleet containing 6 ships, and Lorient contains the last heavy fleet, including 15 ships of the line. La Rochelle also contains the French Transport Fleet with all 20 of her merchant ships. Despite their poorly-trained crews and misguided loyalties, these are obviously excellent practice ranges for the British Army.
But, there are a series of questions arising out of this. The PM was overheard musing about these possibilities with Lord Nelson prior to battle. Both now agree that discusion cannot compromise the integrity of the war effort, so these issues are posed here, mainly as food-for-thought.
First, take note that the cowardly Frenchies have retreated inland. This is, presumably, so that they can strike back in May at whatever positions the British army decides to attempt taking in April. Clearly, the French have the ability to strike at any or all of the ports (the three corps between Lorient and Orleans were each in the three respective ports before they turned tail and ran away). With Davout and Massena both busy in their unjust war against the peaceful Austrians, along with the Usurper himself, this leaves their best available leader as Soult. Soult is a seasoned commander, but, of course, no match for the Duke of Wellington!
There are really three options available to the British right now:
1) Attack all three ports with enough force to guarantee a victory in the siege combat, should they successfully breach the walls. Since all three ports have only a single factor guarding them, this would seem to be a very tasty possibility indeed. Two of the cities have fletches, and so present a 50/50 chance of breaking in to them (due to the lack of troop strength). The third (Lorient) has no fortifications to speak of, and thus offers a 2/3 chance of breaking in.
2) Attack the two northern cities. The intention here would be to either win and spank the French back to their vineyards, or, on the extremely unlikely chance they lose, they would retreat along the coast, towards Lille and eventually go back to London via the Channel.
3) Attack one city in force. The intent here would be twofold: Preserve the army to fight yet again on French soil, and leave two naval targets that essentially force France to continue committing corps and troops far away from the other enemies of the Usurper's regime. The PM is actively considering this possibility, as the British army was left to languish under the previous government, and is not considered an army that can continue fighting against the hordes of French rabble Bonaparte is certain to send against them. So, even landing them was an all-volunteer mission, holding out no hope of ever returning home. But, these heroic soldiers are all willing to pay whatever price must be paid in order to end the tyrannical reign in Paris.
You, like the PM, may now muse over these thoughts. Actual battle results should become available within a few days.
At LAST! The greatest campaign board game of all time is finally available for the PC. Can my old heart stand the strain?
